Fed: Centrelink pays out $10.6m to bushfire victims

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2009
Fed: Centrelink pays out $10.6m to bushfire victims

CANBERRA, Feb 16 AAP - Centrelink has already paid out $10.6 million to Victoria's
bushfires victims.

Centrelink has so far processed 9,236 claims and distributed disaster recovery payments
to 12,791 adults and children, the federal government says.

"The response by all Australians to the unimaginable bushfire disaster has been tremendous
and I'm proud to say Centrelink staff have worked tirelessly to do their bit to help,"

Human Services Minister Joe Ludwig said.

"Most of these Centrelink employees have volunteered to go into these areas and are
working very long hours in difficult conditions."

Victims receive payments directly into their bank accounts or are paid by cash or cheque
at Centrelink's recovery centres in the devastated areas.

Centrelink has also made 5,020 payments to those affected by floods in north Queensland,
delivering $6.1 million to 7,768 Australians.

"Over the next two days Centrelink will also send extra staff to Palm Island, off Townsville,
to raise awareness of the payments," Senator Ludwig said.

"Special service arrangements are also in place for Centrelink customers in Karumba
and Croydon who are currently isolated by flood waters."

An ex gratia payment equivalent to 13 weeks of the Newstart allowance is also being
offered to assist small businesses, farmers and employees who've lost income due to the
floods.

AAP cb/kms/tnf

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC CENTRELINK

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.