| Senator Joe Ludwig Cabinet Secretary Special Minister of State |
Chris Bowen MP |
10/2010
9 March 2010
The Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen MP and the Cabinet Secretary and Senator for Queensland, Joe Ludwig, praised the efforts of those involved in the Queensland flood crisis during a visit to Charleville and St George today.
The Ministers were accompanied by the Federal Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott.
As well as meeting with the Mayor of Murweh Shire and Deputy Mayor of Balonne Shire, the Ministers and Mr Scott met Australian and Queensland Government staff working to assist those affected by the floods and toured some of the affected areas.
“Emergency situations like this bring out the best in Australians and I’m privileged today to have seen first-hand the efforts of dedicated people on the ground working to help those whose lives have been devastated by these floods,” Mr Bowen said.
“Staff within my own agency, Centrelink, have been working tirelessly since the floods started more than a week ago to deliver the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and will continue to provide support for as long as it is needed.
“We were also pleased to be able to meet with some of the Queensland emergency response personnel working to help those affected.
“The Australian and Queensland Governments are working closely on this disaster and I can provide an assurance that we will continue to work co-operatively to ensure much needed financial and other support is provided to those in need.”
“Charleville has been left devastated by last week’s unprecedented rainfall and the Government will continue to work with communities so that assistance can be provided to those who need it most,” Cabinet Secretary and Senator for Queensland, Joe Ludwig, said.
“Today we have seen firsthand the situation of the families caught up in this disaster, and emergency services personnel, volunteers and Federal and State government workers are to be commended for their difficult work in cleaning up and supporting local families and businesses.”
“I want to congratulate all of the people who are working tirelessly to deliver State and Federal aid into the flood affected communities,” the Member for Maranoa, Mr Bruce Scott, said.
“I also want to thank the Federal Ministers Ludwig and Bowen for taking time to make a personal visit to Charleville and St George to witness first hand the effect of the floods' impact on western Queensland.”
The Minister for Human Services said additional Centrelink staff have been mobilised to affected areas, including Roma, Charleville and St George.
“In addition, one of the Australian Government’s Mobile Offices has been diverted from northern New South Wales to assist in the flood crisis,” the Minister said.
“The Mobile Office is today in Goondiwindi and, subject to road access, will be in St George tomorrow.
“Centrelink social workers are on board to provide ongoing personal support as well as help in the delivery of payments and other services.”
Mr Bowen said the AGDRP provides $1,000 for each adult and $400 per child for those affected by the floods, subject to eligibility.
You do not need to be an existing Centrelink customer to receive the payment. You can claim by visiting any Centrelink site or Co-ordination Centre, by phoning 180 2122 or online at www.centrelink.gov.au.
| Media Contacts: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Senator Ludwig's Office - Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |
| Minister Bowen’s Office - James Cullen - 0409 719 879 |