Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Joint media release
Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
Senator the Hon Anne Ruston
Acting Minister for Government Services
From Tuesday, Queenslanders in communities impacted by the current flooding event can apply for financial support from the Liberal and Nationals Government.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be available from 2pm Tuesday, 11 January 2022 to support people in the local government areas of Bundaberg, Gympie and Fraser Coast.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said a number of communities had been seriously impacted by severe flooding and storm damage, with one life tragically lost.
“By making this financial support available, the Liberal and Nationals Government is helping people get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. This payment is available to anyone in those affected local government areas who has suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.
“The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected because of this disastrous event. The Allowance is available for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance.”
“The Liberal and Nationals Government continues to provide support in the hope of strengthening and uplifting communities, as they overcome the significant damage caused by these events.”
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the storms and floods.
Acting Minister for Government Services, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston encouraged residents impacted by the floods to lodge a claim for assistance.
“The easiest and fastest way to claim the Disaster recovery payment is online through myGov. People can prepare to claim by creating a myGov account if they don’t already have one,” Minister Ruston said.
“For Disaster Recovery Allowance people will need to claim over the phone, by calling the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
“To provide further support, the Australian Government is also pausing Centrelink debt raising and new debt recovery in the affected locations.
“Staff from Services Australia are available to take calls between 8am to 5pm local time, Monday to Friday.”
Check your eligibility at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
