Queensland Tropical Cyclone Oswald and associated flooding (January 2013)

Australian Government Reference Number 542

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

The following Australian Government disaster payments have been made available eligible Australians adversely affected by severe weather, rainfall and associated flooding as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

The payment is to provide one-off financial assistance to eligible Australians adversely affected by this event. The AGDRP rate is $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Claims for this payment can be lodged at the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) for a period of up to six months.

Ex gratia payment for New Zealand non-protected Special Category Visa holders

An ex gratia payment is being provided to eligible New Zealand 'non protected' Special Category Visa (SCV) holders who have been affected by this event. The payment rate is $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Claims for this payment can be lodged at the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) for a period of up to six months.

Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy (DIRS)

The DIRS will provide assistance to employees, small business persons and farmers who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the flooding and severe weather in Queensland.

The subsidy provides fortnightly payments equivalent to the maximum rate of Newstart Allowance, depending on the person's circumstances.

The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy is available to Australian residents or eligible foreign nationals who are older than 16. 'Eligible foreign nationals' include people who are on permanent visas (but who have not yet met the residency waiting period) and people who are on temporary skilled visas or temporary family visas. The subsidy is not available to those already receiving another income support payment or pension such as Age Pension, Newstart Allowance, Service Pension or Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment. The subsidy is payable for a period of up to 13 weeks.

For more information on eligibility, visit the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) website or contact the Emergency Assistance Hotline on 180 2266 for claims for assistance.

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)

The joint Commonwealth and State/Territory Government NDRRA can provide a range of financial assistance to the natural disaster declared areas in each state.

NDRRA Funding available includes:

* These grants have been made available in targeted areas. For further details visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

For more information on state disaster assistance, visit the Queensland Governments Disaster Management website or contact the Department of Communities on 1800 173 349.

Information on the grants.

Find out more about the NDRRA.