PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: PM io. 25/ 1971
VICTORIAN FLOODS
Stateme, t by the Prime Minister, Mr_ John Gorton
The Prime Minister announced today that he had replied to
the Victorian Premier's request for Commonwealth financial assistance
with relief and rest oration measures made necessary by the recent
floods in that State.
The Commonwealth Government, being naturally concerned
at the extent of the floods and sympathetic to those afected, has already
offered to join with the State, on a dollar for dollar basis, in financing
schemes for the relief of personal hardship and distress in the affected
areas. As to other relief or restoration measures, it is established
Commonwealth policy that the financing of these is primarily the
responsibility of State Governments. However, where the disaster is on such
a scale that very large expenditures are required, the Commonwealth is
normally prepared to assist.
The Premier has been informed that the Commonwealth is
prepared to meet all natural disaster relief expenditure ( other than the
State's share of expenditure on relief of personal hardship and distress)
on eligible relief measures in excess of 5 million in 1970-71. Assistance
is thus being offered on a similar basis to that for Hew South Wales where
the Commonwealth has offered to meet all natural disaster relief expenditure
in excess of $ 5 million in 1970-71.
CAH BERRA
22 February 1971