Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher and Senator Tony Sheldon
The Albanese Government is activating financial support for more Western Victorian communities affected by the ongoing bushfires in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
The DRA is being extended to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Hindmarsh, Horsham and West Wimmera, after being previously activated in the Ararat, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians LGAs.
The 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 the DRA, a person's income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the bushfires.
Applications for these additional LGAs will open at 2pm local time on Friday 7 February.
Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website.
The easiest 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.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher
"My thoughts are with everyone affected. We know communities are continuing to respond to the bushfire threat, and the impact is being felt across the region.
"This is an important payment that gives people up to 13 weeks of income support to make sure they can keep paying bills and putting food on the table.
"Everyone in Hindmarsh, Horsham, and West Wimmera should visit the Services Australia website to check their eligibility for the DRA and claim now."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
"Communities in Western Victoria continue to be affected by significant and challenging bushfire activity, impacting their lives and, in some cases, their livelihoods.
"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 Victorian Government to support communities through this event and through recovery.
"Conditions remain challenging in Western Victoria so I urge the community to keep themselves safe by continuing to stay up-to-date with the emergency warnings and listen to the advice of emergency services."
Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Tony Sheldon
"I know how tough this time is for so many people across the region. This support is here to ease the pressure-helping people pay the bills and get through the tough weeks ahead."
"The impact of these fires is still unfolding, and as communities respond and recover, we're making sure financial assistance is reaching those who need it."
"This support is here to help people stay afloat, but our work doesn't stop here. We will keep standing with affected communities through response, recovery, and rebuilding."
"If you've lost income due to the fires, don't wait-check your eligibility and apply through the Services Australia website today."
