BUSH 1PIRES IN TICTORIA
The tragic bush fires in Victoria have shocked us all, and I extend my sympathy to those who have suffered bereavement, loss of their homes or personal distress in other ways.
I have received a request today from the Acting Premier
of Victoria, Mr. Rylah, through Senator Gorton for Commonwealth
financial assistance and I have replied as foliows
" You have requested Cowmonwealth grant towards
cost of providing relief to persons in distress as result
of disastrous bushfires. On behalf of Commonwealth
Government I wish again to extend deepest sympathy to all
people affected by this disaster. -Je are readily prepared
to join with ycar Government in contributing towards the
cost of a scheme designed to provide for the immediate
relief of persons in distressed and necessitous
circumstances. I assume that at the ea liest opportunity
you will furnish details of the damage and provide an
estimate of the cost of relief measures. Meantime
Commonwealth funds will be made available if required on
the usual conditions, namely ( one) for with State
Government ( two) the joint funds are used only for relief
of personal hardship and ( three) expenditure is in due
course certified by State Auditor-General."
In November last, the Commonwealth made a grant of up
to œ 30,000 on a for basis with the State of New South ; ales
for the relief of personal hardship resulting from the recent
serious floods in New South Wales.
The Premier of New South Wales, ir. Heffron has now informed me that additional funds will be needed for this purpose and he has asked the Commonwealth to provide a further œ 20,000 to match a similar amount to be made available by the State. 7e have agreed to provide a further grant of up to œ 20,000. as sought by the Premier.
CANBERR. A,
18th January, 1962.
P. M. No. 5/1962