$15 Million paid to assist local storm victims

The Australian Government has distributed more than $15 million in emergency assistance to people affected by the Hunter and Central Coast floods, Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison said today.

Senator Ellison said Centrelink has paid nearly 13,000 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment – totalling $15.67 million - since the assistance package was announced on 10 June.

“The damage and impact of the floods has been widespread across the Hunter and Central Coast region and Centrelink staff have been working tirelessly to get help to those in need,” he said.

“Along with staff from the Red Cross, Samaritans and the NSW Government, Centrelink workers door-knocked houses in affected areas to check on residents’ wellbeing and ensure they’re aware of help available. In addition, staff at the Wallsend processing centre are still working well into the night to process claims as quickly as possible.”

Senator Ellison said he had heard some remarkable stories from the floods. “One story I heard was of a staff member whose roof collapsed while she was in bed, flooding her entire house and destroying most of her clothes and possessions,” he said.

“She showed up for work on Tuesday following the floods at Newcastle Centrelink wanting to help people who were worse off than her.

“30 Centrelink staff flew in from around Australia to help with the recovery effort, many of whom were involved in helping Innisfail rebuild after Cyclone Larry last year. I commend Centrelink staff and their colleagues from the NSW Government and community organisations for getting help to people when they needed it.”

Senator Ellison said the disaster recovery payments offered $1000 per adult and $400 per child for the destruction of their principal place of residence, where homes had been rendered uninhabitable for 48 hours or more as a result of storm or flood damage, or in cases of serious hospitalisation.

“Anyone still seeking assistance should contact the Australian Government Storms Assistance Hotline on 180 2211 which is still available 24 hours a day, or visit their local Centrelink office,” he said.

More than 15,500 enquiries have been answered by the hotline and staff are still receiving hundreds of calls a day. The Commonwealth and New South Wales governments have also contributed $500,000 each to community recovery funds and recovery grants of up to $15,000 for eligible small businesses and primary producers. Further information is available by calling 1800 678 593.

Source: Media Release, Department of Human Services.

Tax Help for NSW Flood Victims

ATO Media Release:

The Tax Office has assured people affected by the floods in New South Wales that they do not need to worry about their tax at this time.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said this is a very difficult time for residents of the central coast and Hunter region, especially those who have suffered damage to their home or business.

“We understand that people have other priorities to sort out now and it may be some time before they are able to focus on tax matters.

“People who are having problems meeting their tax obligations because of the flood can call us on 13 11 42 to make arrangements that suit their individual circumstances,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

Your tax agent can also talk to the Tax Office on your behalf.

The Tax Office can help by:

• fast tracking refunds for people impacted by the flood
  
• giving extra time to pay debts - without interest charges
  
• giving more time to meet BAS and other lodgement obligations – without penalties
  
• helping reconstruct tax records where documents have been destroyed, and
  
• offering personal visits from field officers to help reconcile lost records.