Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance to more communities in North Queensland affected by flooding and heavy rainfall through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
From 2pm local time on Thursday 13 February 2025, the DRA will be extended to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Carpentaria, Cook, Croydon, Douglas, Flinders and Wujal Wujal.
DRA is available to individuals who live or work in the declared LGAs and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. To be eligible for DRA, a person's income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.
As at 11 February 2025, Services Australia has paid out more than $2 million in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and DRA support to affected people in North Queensland.
Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website.
The quickest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call 1800 076 072.
The National Emergency Management Agency has also appointed a senior Commonwealth Recovery Liaison Officer to manage and streamline Commonwealth support for recovery efforts from the recent floods in North Queensland.
Michelle Lees, who has previously undertaken this role following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, will work closely with agencies across all levels of government, industry, business, and community to help integrate Commonwealth support for recovery operations across affected regions.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher
"The impact of these floods has been far-reaching, and the Government is committed to delivering support where it's needed as quickly as possible.
"The DRA is a payment that supports people who have lost income as a result of these floods - whether that's because their workplace is shut, or the flooding has prevented them from travelling safely to work.
"North Queenslanders who've been affected should check their eligibility for the DRA on the Services Australia website."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
"Communities across Far North and North Queensland continue to be significantly impacted by the events of the last couple of weeks, making it difficult for people to work.
"Our government is activating financial assistance for more areas so those whose incomes have been disrupted are supported in the immediate recovery phase.
"We will continue working with the Queensland Government to support communities through this event and through recovery.
"Queenslanders have been through a lot, and recovery will take time. The Albanese Government will stand with Queenslanders every step of the way."
