AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- PM Scott Morrison visited flood-hit areas in NSW and Queensland and declared floods a national emergency.
- Morrison pledges more financial support for the communities affected in these areas.
- The payments will be made to the ones who applied for disaster relief claims.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has recommended the flood crisis in New South Wales and Queensland to be declared as a national emergency. He also informed that more support for the flood-affected communities in both the states is on its way from the federal government.
PM Morrison also ended COVID-19 isolation today (9 March 2022) and spent the day visiting the flood-affected town of Lismore and pledged for more payments in the worst affected areas by the flood.
Read more: Here’s how to keep yourself safe during a flood
The prime minister informed that the financial support incorporates two additional weekly disaster relief payments for a few flood-hit zones and support for businesses and funding for emergency relief, food and finance counselling.
The decision was followed by the government's agreement to an AU$435 million jointly funded support package with New South Wales and commitment to funding half of an AU$558.5 million package to help flood-affected communities in Queensland.
This money will be given automatically to those who have already claimed and received the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. The current rate of Disaster Recovery Payment in Australia is AU$1000 per adult and AU$400 per child. The payments are expected to be paid from 15 March and 22 March
PM Morrison also added that he came to this decision after consulting with the premiers, additional briefing from government agencies about the situation in northern NSW and visiting the worst affected areas by himself.
