Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) has been extended to the New South Wales local government areas (LGAs) of Bathurst, Edward River and Narrandera following the impacts of severe storms and flooding to large areas of the state.
The one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child is available to eligible people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, or a serious injury. Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
Applications are now open, and information about payment eligibility can be found on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents.
The extension brings the total number of NSW LGAs where AGDRP is available to 19, with the payment already available to residents in the LGAs of Cabonne, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Gunnedah, Lachlan, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Murray River, Narrabri, Parkes, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga and Walgett.
Residents in the Bathurst, Edward River and Narrandera LGAs were previously made eligible for the 13-week federal income support Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), along with joint Commonwealth-State support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The easiest way to claim AGDRP or DRA is online through myGov. If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
People impacted by the floods can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive recent flooding throughout Eastern Australia, visit nema.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:
The Albanese Government is continuing to stand with communities as recovery efforts continue in NSW.
This latest support will help address immediate needs like food and clothing, while damage is assessed and more support is rolled out.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten:
These payments, made available by the Commonwealth, are designed to help people with their recovery needs.
Services Australia staff continue to help people access essential disaster assistance and to make payments available as quickly as possible.
Services Australia staff are also on the ground at recovery centres and assistance points and travelling through flood impacted communities on board Mobile Service Centre Desert Rose. I encourage people to check the Services Australia website to find where staff are in your community: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents.
