Centrelink cyclone services for Friday

Queensland Media Release
Friday, 31 March 2006

Centrelink has distributed more than $30 million to people affected by Cyclone Larry as part of the Australian Government’s relief package, Centrelink spokesman Bevan Hannan said today.

Most financial assistance has been for one-off ex-gratia payments although demand is now increasing for business grants, fuel excise relief and income support.

“The Prime Minister announced yesterday that the business grants would increase from $10 000 to $25 000 where significant loss has occurred and the requirement to have a minimum of 20 staff has been removed,” Mr Hannan said.

“Centrelink will announce shortly the steps involved to access the additional funds for people who have already made applications and also new claims.”

Centrelink’s Tropical Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline (180 2002) remains open between 7am and 9pm (Qld time).

All Centrelink offices in Far North Queensland will be open as normal today and Centrelink staff will also be working in community recovery centres in the following cyclone-affected areas:

Centrelink customers in Innisfail, Mareebra and the Atherton region who would normally have to come into a Centrelink office to lodge a form in order to receive their regular payment, can do so over phone through special phone lodgement facilities for the rest of the week. Phone lodgement and general enquires are encouraged on Centrelink’s regular call centre numbers.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.