Disaster assistance will be available for businesses that continue to be affected by
prolonged power outages from the extreme weather event in Victoria.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster
Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Businesses with an annual payroll of less than $10 million can apply for payments for up to
three weeks if they were without power as of 12.01am Thursday 17 June 2021. If eligible,
they will then receive the payment each week, capped at three weeks.
The payment will be administered by Ausnet and will help businesses cover the costs of
rent, wages and other operating expenses through this difficult period.
Australian Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the DRFA will
assist businesses who remain without power and may do so for some weeks to come.
“The Prolonged Power Outage Support Payment of $1680 per week, for up to three
weeks, has been extended to all eligible businesses without power,” Minister Littleproud
said.
“We know that being without essential power is incredibly difficult and we want to help
businesses to get the support they need that best suits their circumstances.
“The Australian Government is working closely with the Victorian Government and stands
ready to provide further assistance as required.”
Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Danny Pearson, said the payment
Prolonged Power Outage Business Payment will provide up to 1,200 affected businesses
with a $2,500 per week payment to support continued operations and address financial
hardship caused by the ongoing impact of the severe weather event.
“These measures will help businesses by giving them the financial support to pay wages,
rent and other activities required to keep businesses operating,” Minister Pearson said.
“We understand the pain felt in the community caused by these catastrophic storms. The
introduction of the Prolonged Power Outage Payment for businesses will alleviate some of
the financial burden on our traders.
“We know communities are doing it tough which is why we are stepping in to make sure
businesses and employers have financial support to keep businesses going and begin the
recovery work.”
The funding package is being administered by AusNet on behalf of the Commonwealth
and State governments to provide direct assistance to support businesses dealing with
prolonged power loss.
Eligibility criteria can be found on AusNet’s Storm Event webpage at
www.ausnetservices.com.au/en/About/News-Room/News-Room-2021/Storm-Update.
AusNet has established a dedicated claims process for customers impacted by the storm,
which can be accessed on its website or by calling 13 17 99.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at
www.disasterassist.gov.au, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
website at www.delwp.vic.gov.au, the Victorian Government www.vic.gov.au and the
VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.
