The Hon Michael Keenan MP - Minister for Justice - Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter-Terrorism

Angus Taylor MP - Member for Hume

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Further Commonwealth assistance for storm affected communities in Hume

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed today’s announcement that the Australian Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) in response to this month’s devastating storms and floods.  

Mr Taylor said the support was over and above the support already being provided under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), which were announced on 7 June.

“This is to assist storm and flood affected communities across NSW including Wollondilly, in particular Picton, Wingecarribee, Camden and parts of Penrith, to access the financial support they need to recover. I’m pleased the Federal Government is acting quickly to provide this additional help.”

People eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance can access income assistance for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance. This assistance is designed to help those employees, primary producers and sole traders affected by the disaster to get back on their feet.

“I encourage all employees, small businesses and primary producers who are experiencing a loss of income following June’s storms and flooding, to contact the Commonwealth Government Department of Human Services if they are unsure about their eligibility for help,” Mr Taylor said.

For more information or to make a claim visit humanservices.gov.au/disaster or a Commonwealth Government Department of Human Services service centre or call 180 22 66.

More information on Commonwealth Government disaster assistance is available at disasterassist.gov.au