PM Transcripts

0 I PRIME MINISTER Press Statement No. 170
11 January 1974
AUSTRALIAN GOVERINMENT OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE IN
N. S. W. AND QUEENSLAND FLOODS
The Prime Minister today expressed the Australian Government's
concern about the damage and the personal distress being suffered by
people in Iew South Wales and Queensland as a result of the floods in
these States. The Prime Minister said that the defence services are
co-operating with the State Civil Defence and emergency services in
providing assistance and that any requests for assistance submitted
by the Premiers of New South Wales and Queensland will be most
sympathetically and promptly considered.
The Prime Minister has informed the Premiers that the
Australian Government is prepared to join with the State Governments
of New South W~ ales and Queensland in providing financial assistance
on a dollar for dollar basis in the normal way for financing schemes
for the relief of personal hardship and distress-in the affected areas.
Expenditure covered by the Australian Government's offer could
include the provision of emergency food, clothing and accommodation,
essential repairs to houses and the repair and replacement of essential
items of furniture and personal effects of those in needy circumstances
as a result of the floods.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.
11 January 1974