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Australian Government Activates Financial Support for Flood-Affected Communities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Residents in 26 flood-affected local government areas across Queensland and New South Wales can now apply for Commonwealth financial support through Services Australia, following the activation of emergency funding by the Australian Government. The affected Queensland residents in Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, and other areas can start applying for financial assistance from 9am tomorrow, while residents in Northern New South Wales local government areas, including Ballina and Lismore, can also apply from 2pm tomorrow. Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available for people impacted by the flooding event.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Government has activated financial support for 26 flood-affected local government areas across Queensland and New South Wales, with affected residents able to apply through Services Australia from tomorrow.
  • The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available for people impacted by the flooding event, who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.
  • The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will also be provided into the 26 affected local government areas, with the DRA payment set at the maximum equivalent rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on personal circumstances.
  • Eligible residents can claim support via myGov or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66.
  • The Morrison Government funds these payments entirely and has made them immediately available to support affected communities in Queensland and New South Wales.
  • Australian Defence Force personnel will continue to support the emergency response efforts and will assist with the recovery effort once the water recedes.
  • Since 2019-20, the Federal Government has provided $17 billion in disaster relief.

Statistics:

  • 26 flooded local government areas across Queensland and New South Wales
  • $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
  • Maximum 13 weeks payment from the date of loss of income through Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
  • Maximum equivalent rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance for DRA payment
  • Up to $180 per person (up to $900 for a family of five or more) for Personal Hardship Assistance through Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)

Sources:

  • Australian Government Services Australia
  • The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister
  • Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
  • Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services
  • Queensland Government
  • Australian Defence Force

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