Media Release
Centrelink open over the long weekend for flood assistance
25 January 2008
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said Centrelink will remain open over the Australia day long weekend to ensure flood-affected people in Queensland have access to financial assistance. Centrelink has significantly boosted the number of staff in the region to ensure people are supported through the floods.
“Centrelink services will be available from 8.30am – 4.30pm every day on the long weekend at the Emerald Recovery Centre and via the Drought Bus in Charleville, which is located at the Neighbourhood Centre.
“I encourage people to contact the Australian Government Flood Assistance Hotline on 180 2333 for anyone who needs information about flood assistance. This hotline is available from 8am – 8pm (Queensland time), seven days a week.”
Senator Ludwig and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke, visited Emerald yesterday to see first hand the devastating extent of the damage and talk to people in the community who have assisted with the flood relief effort. He was impressed with the spirit and resilience he witnessed while visiting the region.
Senator Ludwig said, “Yesterday, the Australian Government announced that the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is to be made available to provide additional assistance to people seriously affected by the floods.”
“The payment will be made available to people adversely affected by the storms and associated flooding that commenced in the Mackay and Whitsunday region on 13 January and continues to affect many areas of Queensland.”
“Those eligible will be able to receive a one off payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for each child.”
“The payment will provide financial assistance to people whose principal place of residence has been destroyed or significantly damaged, as well as those who have been seriously injured and hospitalised for more than 48 hours as a direct result of the floods,” Senator Ludwig said.
“These payments are in addition to the emergency relief available from the Queensland Government and I’d strongly urge anyone who believes they may be eligible to contact Centrelink on 180 2333.
Senator Ludwig said, “As the Minister responsible for Federal Government Assistance with the floods in Queensland I’d like to assure people that they’ll continue to have the full support of the Australian Government.”
“I’d also like to again pay tribute to both Centrelink staff and to the excellent work of the state emergency services personnel and volunteers on the ground.
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