PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER 153/ 93
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATING, MP
FURTHER HELP FOR VICTORIAN FLOOD VICTIMS
The Commonwealth Government has decided on a new package of assistance for
people affected by flooding in regional Victoria, in addition to the substantial
assistance provided immediately after the flooding.
This decision follows the receipt of a report prepared by my Rural and Regional Task
Force, and further considerations by my colleagues in the Ministry. The task force,
ci-aired by the Member for Page, Harry Woods, visited the severely affected centre of
Benalla on 12 November to examine first-hand the damage caused by the floods.
The Government will make available $ 209,000 from Landcare funds, on a dollar-fordollar
basis with the Victorian Government, to develop further flood prevention
measures. An extra 50 JOBSKILLS places will be allocated to the flood-affected region. This is
in addition to the 20 LEAP places allocated to the Wangaratta-Benalla area for 1993-
94 at a cost of $ 164,000.
The Govcrnmcnt plans to amend the Social Security Act to permit some retrospective
payments. In the Victorian floods, there is clear evidence of some families having
difficulty in accessing entitlements. Where people were eligible for benefits, but did
not get their applications in on time because of the floods, payments will be available
as an act of grace.
In light of the Victorian experience, I will discuss with the Minister for Finance
whether we need to review the thresholds which operate under the Natural Disaster
Relief Arrangements, and the relative treatment of households and businesses under
the A-angements. This will be additional to the substantial assistance provided to
Victoria under the existing arrangements.
This response shows that this Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate
and timely assistance is provided to those affected by natural disasters of this type.
CANBERRA 22 DECEMBER, 1993
( For further information: Harry Woods, MP, 066 42 6356)