$21 million in cyclone relief payments:
Queensland Media Release
Thursday, 30 March 2006
Human Services Minister Joe Hockey MP said today Centrelink has distributed more than $21 million in emergency relief payments to people in need in the cyclone affected area.
“Centrelink staff have already processed about 12 000 ex-gratia claims and thousands more are being processed right now,” Minister Hockey said.
“This money has made a real difference. People have been able to buy the essentials like food, water and clothing, to help them through what has been an incredibly difficult time.
“The $21 million in ex-gratia payments includes about $1.2 million worth of cash payments which have been distributed by local banks in Innisfail. Centrelink staff are continuing to work alongside bank tellers so that people can access their money immediately.
“Understandably the immediate focus has been distributing emergency payments. The $21 million doesn’t include the fuel excise rebate or the longer term income support which will be needed in the area.
“Centrelink is also currently processing around $12 million worth of small business grants.
“By next week Centrelink will have distributed about $40 million to help those people in the cyclone affected area who are now in the process of rebuilding their lives.
“The Australian Government’s ex-gratia payments have clearly been crucial in the early days of the recovery effort in the wake of Cyclone Larry.
“But we know the job is not over. There will be many challenges to overcome in the coming weeks and months and the Australian Government will be there to help.
“I would like to thank the more than 400 Centrelink staff who have worked tirelessly since the cyclone hit for the amazing job they have done. 120 of those staff have been based in 21 towns and villages in the cyclone affected area. They have all worked around the clock to help those in desperate need and they deserve to be recognised and congratulated by the wider Australian community.”
The Tropical Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline has taken more than 13 000 calls for assistance on 180 2002 since the cyclone hit. People can call the hotline between 7am and 9pm (Queensland time) to get more information about Australian Government relief payments.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.
