Media Release
Centrelink Equine Influenza Assistance passes $1 million
25 September 2007
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison, today said workers affected by the recent Myer fire in the Hobart CBD will have access to assistance and expert financial information from Centrelink at the Business and Employee Assistance Centre at City Hall.
“Centrelink is an important part of the Hobart community, and responded quickly in the wake of this devastating fire,” Senator Ellison said.
“Specialist Centrelink staff will be on-site at Hobart’s City Hall this week, working closely with the Tasmanian State Government and Hobart City Council to coordinate assistance and make sure those affected have access to financial and emotional support. This assistance will be available from 8:45am to 5pm daily.
“Apart from income support, Centrelink has a variety of specialist services available, including Financial Information Officers, who are experts in providing independent and quality financial information.
“These specialist staff help people understand their financial options and make better financial decisions for themselves and their families.
“Centrelink also has social workers available to provide emotional support to affected workers and their families,” Senator Ellison said.
“It’s important workers are aware of the impact that any changes to their income will have on their eligibility to Centrelink payments.
“This is obviously a difficult time for affected workers and their families and Centrelink will be doing all it can to offer assistance.
“Centrelink staff are very experienced in handling these types of situations and understand how stressful this time can be for affected workers and their familieCentrelink has paid nearly $1.4 million in assistance to people affected by the Equine Influenza outbreak, the Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison said today.
“Centrelink is paying two parts of the Australian Government’s assistance package – the Workers Hardship Wage Supplement and the Business Assistance Grant,” Senator Ellison said.
“Centrelink has been working hard to get money in the pockets of people affected as soon as possible.
“Where possible, staff been holding information seminars in affected areas and Centrelink call centre staff have answered more than 14,000 calls to the Equine Influenza Hotline.”
The hotline – 1800 234 002 – remains open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
“The hotline is the contact point for people whose lives have been impacted by the Equine Influenza and quarantining measures,” Senator Ellison said.
“All people have to do is call the hotline and staff will be able to talk them through the claim process over the phone.”
Senator Ellison said a range of help is available through the hotline.
“In addition to information about the financial package, Centrelink Social Workers are available over the phone to assist people who may be in need of extra support,” he said.
“It’s clearly a difficult time for everyone involved, and Centrelink will be doing all it can to offer support.”
The two components of Australian Government’s Equine Influenza Assistance package being paid by Centrelink are:
- 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; and
- The Equine Influenza Business Assistance Grant – $5,000 for horse-dependent businesses that have experienced a significant downturn in income.
More information is available by visiting www.centrelink.gov.au
Media Contact: Michael Barrett – 0419 424 359.