Rudd Government’s play on words heartlessly denies March flood victims one-off cash payments for families

May 26, 2009

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker said today said he was devastated by news that the Rudd Government will not provide the one-off cash grants to those affected by the March floods.

Yesterday the Prime Minister addressed the Parliament on the recent floods in Northern NSW. This is what the Prime Minister told the Parliament.

“Today the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs also activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment to provide further assistance to help those in northern New South Wales affected by the flood disaster. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will be a one-off immediate payment of $1,000 to adults and $4,000 to children. Claims for assistance can be made through Centrelink. Today in recognition of the severe damage to local communities in northern New South Wales the government has agreed to a request from the New South Wales Premier to extend the current assistance being provided to small business and to primary producers in the flood affected areas in northern New South Wales. This assistance will include one-off grants of up to $15,000 for small businesses and primary producers that can provide proof of expenditure on flood related recovery. The New South Wales Rural Assistance Authority will administer these payments. I have also today authorised this assistance for people affected by the earlier floods in New South Wales in late March.”…….Hansard, May 25, 2009

 

Mr Hartsuyker said his office had sought clarification on the funding assistance this morning.

 

“This morning the Prime Minister’s office has advised that the extra financial assistance of $1000 per adult and $400 per child will not be paid to those affected by the March floods,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

 

“The Prime Minister’s office claims the only assistance that will be extended to both the May and March victims will be for small business and primary producers.

 

“Only individuals and families affected by the May floods will receive the $1000 and $400 Centrelink payments. March victims will not receive these payments.

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