Joint Media Release
(38k)The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Community Services
Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Minister for Human Services
The Hon Robert McClelland MP
Attorney-General
18 November 2008
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
The Prime Minister today announced the Australian Government will provide immediate, additional assistance to the people of South East Queensland seriously affected by the storms that ravaged the area on Sunday.
Those eligible will be able to receive a one off Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for each child to help relieve their hardship.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery 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.
The Commonwealth Disaster Plan has also been activated, with the deployment of 350 Australian Defence Force personnel to help the SES clear roads and storm-affected properties.
These ADF personnel will be available to help for as long as they are required.
Under the Disaster Plan, the Commonwealth will also provide tarpaulins to help those affected by the storms in South East Queensland.
This assistance is on top of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) which were activated by the Rudd Government yesterday.
The NDRRA includes grants for food, clothing, accommodation and emergency repairs to housing.
Thousands of people, particularly in the north-west suburbs of Brisbane, are facing the huge task of cleaning up.
Many are still without electricity and in some cases homes have been completely destroyed.
The Rudd Government will continue to work with the Queensland Government, Local Government and community organisations to support people as they get on with the job of repairing their homes extensively damaged by the violent storms.
For information on the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment call the Australian Government’s South East Queensland Storms Hotline on 180 2266.
More information on Australian Government assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
Media contacts
PM Press Office: (02) 6277 7744
Minister for Community Services: 0430 166 633
Minster for Human Services: 0413 800 757
Attorney-General: 0419 480 224
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