PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: -8 FEB 1968
LIBRAg FM. NO. 16/ 1968
MORE FLCOCD AID FOR NEWV SOUTH VWALES
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr John Gorton
The Commonwealth Government has agreed to a
request from the 1Nlew South Wales Government that it join with the
State in providing $ 50, CX on a dollar-for-dollar basis for the
relief of personal hardship and distress suffered by people in the
North Coast and North-WVest regions of New South Wales as a result
of recent further major flooding in those areas.
It will be recalled that in June last year, the
Commonwealth agreed to provide $ 5C, CC0 on a dollar-for-dollar
basis with the State for this purpose, and an additional $ 20, CCC was
made available in Auguct following further flooding.
In addition to the immediate relief of distress, this
total Commonwealth assistance of $ 120, OC0 may be used for making
essential repairs to houses and for repairing and replacing essential
items of furniture and equipment to the extent necessary to provide
reasonable living conditions for those who, due to lack of adequate
financial resources, would otherwise suffer personal hardship.
In accordance with the constitutional division of
responsibilities, provision of relief following natural disasters is
a matter which falls within the province of the States. However,
in recognition of the need on humanitarian grounds to take special
action for the quick alleviation of individual cases of hardship,
successive Commonwealth Governments have adopted the policy of
assisting State Governments in financing relief schemes where the
damage has been severe or widespread, but the initiative in setting
up these schemes rests with the State concerned. The Commonwealth
participates at the request of the State and on the basis of matching the
amount of money which the State customarily makes available.
CANBERRA, 31st January, 1968.