Joint media release with The Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Albanese Government is providing financial support to people directly affected by the devastating storms and power outages in New South Wales Far West region.
From 2pm AEDT on Thursday 31 October, applications for the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will open.
The allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced loss of income as a result of recent severe storms in the Broken Hill and Central Darling Local Government Areas, as well as the Far West Unincorporated Area.
Members of the community are encouraged to seek information regarding eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten
"Services Australia is ready to help those workers in places like Broken Hill, Menindee and Wilcannia whose livelihoods have been seriously affected by the severe storms, to access Disaster Recovery Allowance.
"I encourage those in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for disaster assistance available through the Services Australia website.
"The easiest way to make a claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
"If you can't get online or you need help with a claim, Services Australia staff are available to assist by calling the number above, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister
"This is a really difficult time for a lot of Far Western communities impacted by the recent storms and the power outages. We are aware that a number of workers have had their livelihoods impacted by this severe weather event.
"The Albanese Government is moving quickly to offer assistance to those who are temporarily out of work as a direct result of this disaster. The DRA allowance will provide support of up to 13 weeks for eligible locals.
"We have working closely with Minns Government to activate immediate support for councils to undertake clean up and vital repairs, and to ensure access power for homes and essential services like schools and public hospitals is maintained."
More Information
The quickest way to claim is online through myGov. If you need help to claim, you can call the Australian Government Emergency information line on 180 22 66 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Multilingual phone calls are also available through the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202.
