Joint press release
Senator the Honorable Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
Senator the Honorable Anne Ruston
Acting Minister of Government Services
Queenslanders in other communities hard hit by the current floods can now apply for financial support from the Liberal and National Government.
A Disaster Recovery Allowance will be available to support residents of the local authorities of Cherbourg, North Burnett and South Burnett. The Australian Government disaster recovery payment will also be available for those affected at North Burnett. This builds on the Australian Government assistance already available in Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Gympie.
The Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said a number of communities in the Cherbourg, North Burnett and South Burnett areas had been badly affected by severe flooding and storm damage.
“By providing financial support to these three communities, the Liberal and national government is helping so many people get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said Minister McKenzie.
“The Disaster Recovery Benefit provides a short-term income support payment to help people whose income has been affected due to this disastrous event. The allowance is available for up to 13 weeks, which is equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Youth Allowance.
“The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-time, non-means-tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. This payment is available to anyone at North Burnett who has suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, a serious injury, or who has lost a family member. It continues to be available for those affected in Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Gympie.
Acting Minister for Government Services, Senator Anne Ruston encouraged residents affected by the current Queensland floods to first check their eligibility for the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance and Disaster Recovery Payment on the site Services Australia website, before filing a support request.
“The easiest and quickest way to claim the disaster recovery payment is online through myGov,” Minister Ruston said.
“If you are eligible for Disaster Recovery Benefit, you will need to claim it over the phone by calling the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
“Services Australia staff are available to answer calls between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday.
“To provide further support, we are also suspending Centrelink debt lifting and new debt collection in affected locations.”
Check your eligibility at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
