Media Release
Equine assistance available over the weekend
14 September 2007
The Australian Government’s Equine Influenza Hotline – 1800 234 002 – will continue taking calls over the weekend for people wanting information about the Australian Government’s $110 million Equine Influenza Assistance package.
“Centrelink staff operating the hotline have answered more than eight thousand calls since the hotline was established,” the Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison said.
“The hotline is the first point of contact for people whose lives have been impacted by the Equine Influenza and quarantining measures.
“Centrelink is paying the Workers Hardship Wage Supplement and the Business Assistance Grant components of the Australian Government’s package.
“Centrelink has begun making these payments and is working to fast-track the application process to ensure people get their payments as soon as possible.
“All people have to do is call the hotline and staff will be able to talk them through the claim process over the phone.”
The Australian Government’s Equine Influenza Assistance package includes:
- The Equine Workers Hardship Wage Supplement Payment – a fortnightly ex-gratia payment for individuals and sole traders whose income has been reduced or lost as a result of Equine Influenza;
- The Equine Influenza Business Assistance Grant – $5,000 is available for horse-dependent businesses that have experienced a significant downturn in income;
- Commercial Horse Assistance Payment – available to primary carers whose racing, harness or professional equestrian competition horses have been unable to undertake their normal activities, due to the quarantine restrictions in place; and
- Grants for non-government, not-for-profit equestrian organisations – up to $200,000 is available to equestrian organisations that have, in addition to the provision of voluntary services by their members or affiliates, incurred expenses directly related to the outbreak of Equine Influenza and the resulting quarantine restrictions.
“In addition to the obvious financial impact the influenza quarantine is having, this is clearly an emotional and stressful time for many people,” Senator Ellison said.
“Centrelink will continue to have Social Workers available over the phone this weekend to assist people who may be in need of support.
“This is a difficult time for people across a range of industries and Centrelink will be doing all it can to offer assistance.”
The Australian Government’s Influenza Assistance Hotline will be available from 8am to 8pm over the weekend and during next week.
More information is available at www.centrelink.gov.au.
Media Contact:
Michael Barrett (02) 6277 7200 or 0419 424 359.