19 November 2002
The Federal Government is today announcing specific measures to help
people and communities affected by the drought.
These measures are
designed to assist individuals through the personal impact of the drought,
as well as the rural communities that rely on the agricultural sector.
Farm hands, small business owners, contractors and workers in
support industries like abattoirs and canneries, all feel the flow effects
of the drought too.
A special hotline has also been established
from today for those affected by the drought.
Customers seeking
information or assistance can phone 13 23 16 between 8am and 5pm, Monday
to Friday.
People who lose work or income as a consequence of the
drought, will now have simpler access to income support, such as Newstart
and Youth Allowance, through Centrelink.
From today, flexibility
will also be applied to activity test requirements for Newstart Allowance
for people in this situation.
This means for example, a farm hand
who is stood down because of the drought, will find it simpler to qualify
for Newstart and Youth Allowance. Employees in support industries who lose
their jobs or have their hours reduced will receive the same flexibility,
as will small business owners who are forced to scale down their business
because of the drought.
These arrangements mean individuals will be
able to remain in their communities, maintaining the skills-base of rural
areas.
I urge anyone in this situation to phone the hotline.
Centrelink staff are ready to offer all available assistance. It is
important that anyone considering applying for assistance registers with
Centrelink as soon as possible. By doing so, payments can, subject to
eligibility criteria, apply from the date of
registration.
Centrelink also has a range of social support
services available, such as social workers and financial counsellors who
can provide information and assistance to help individuals and families
deal with the impact of drought.
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