Media Release

Gippsland flood victims urged to claim for assistance

1 August 2007

Centrelink is encouraging flood victims who haven’t already made a claim following the Gippsland floods to do so, with over $550,000 already paid by the Australian Government to people affected by the emergency. 

Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison, said Centrelink had processed more than 470 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment since the assistance package was announced on 29 June.

“As soon as the floods hit, Centrelink staff swung into action to reach out to affected residents to help them claim the payment. Our staff worked closely with the Victorian Government and aid agencies to ensure that Centrelink had a presence in the recovery centres in all affected communities. Our social workers were also there to provide moral support,” Senator Ellison said.

“Responding to emergencies is one of Centrelink’s lesser-known roles but is unfortunately something we have a lot of experience in. In recent years, Centrelink has assisted Australians affected by the Bali and London bombings, and natural disasters like Cyclones Larry and Monica, the Katherine floods and more recently cyclone George and the floods in the NSW Hunter and Central Coast regions.”

Senator Ellison said people affected by the Gippsland floods have until 29 December this year to claim the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. The payment is $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child who was seriously injured, or lost their principal place of residence, or had it rendered uninhabitable for a period of 48 hours or more as a direct result of the floods.

“We believe most people who are eligible will have applied by now, but claims are still trickling in and our hotline is still taking enquiries about the payment. I would urge anyone who has not yet applied to contact Centrelink.

“When you’re recovering from a natural disaster, paperwork is probably the last thing on your mind.  But I can assure people that the application process is very simple and the straightforward claims are being paid within a matter of days,” Senator Ellison said.

“The most important message is don’t self-assess your eligibility for payment. The best thing to do is chat to Centrelink staff in one of our offices or call 180 2211, where our staff are taking calls 24 hours a day.”

More information and claim forms are available on the Centrelink website at www.centrelink.gov.au.

Media Contact: Michael Barrett – 0419 424 359.

September 19, 2007