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Joint Media Release

Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Minister for Human Services
Senator for Queensland

The Hon Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

20 November 2008

Government extends disaster recovery payments

The Australian Government will provide immediate assistance to people affected by the latest flash flooding and storms in South East Queensland.

Those eligible will receive a one off Australian Government Disaster Recovery payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for each child.

South East Queensland communities have been devastated by a series of violent storms that have caused wide spread damage and loss of property. This is a very difficult time for families in these communities and the Australian Government will do all it can to help.

The payments will provide urgent financial support to people whose principal place of residence has been destroyed or significantly damaged or anyone who has been seriously injured as a result of the disaster.

Payments have already started to flow to families who lodged claims following Sunday’s South East Queensland storms.

Around 600 claims have been received so far, with calls to the South East Queensland Storms Hotline exceeding 1,000.

The Australian Government will continue to work with the Queensland Government and local community organisations to support those families who have suffered as a result of these devastating storms.

The Commonwealth Disaster Plan has also been activated, with the deployment of Australian Defence Force personnel to help the SES clear roads and storm-affected properties.

Volunteers and emergency service workers continue to work around the clock assisting families devastated by the recent floods.

Although the clean up has started there is much more to be done and the Australian Government will provide ongoing assistance.

Further assistance is being provided by the Australian Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) which partially reimburses states for expenditure on the relief and recovery effort.

Families eligible for assistance as a result of the storms on Sunday will not be able to claim additional payments from the new round of funding.

Affected residents can call the Australian Government’s South East Queensland Storms Hotline on 180 2266 for 24 hour assistance or lodge claims online at www.centrelink.gov.au More information on Australian Government assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Media contacts

Minister Ludwig’s media contact: Joe Scavo — 0413 800 757
Minister Macklin’s media contact: Jessica Walker — 0430 166 633.