Eligible individuals may receive up to 13 weeks of income support
The Australian government is extending financial assistance to employees and sole traders in Queensland and New South Wales who were affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the government is activating the Commonwealth-funded Disaster Recovery Allowance for 31 local government areas in Queensland and NSW.
"Eligible workers and sole traders in Southeast Queensland and New South Wales who've lost income as a direct result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred will be able to access up to 13 weeks of income support," Albanese said in a media conference on Monday.
To check eligibility, the government advised individuals to visit the Services Australia website, with the simplest way to claim support being online via myGov.
"We're acting quickly to make financial assistance for impacted individuals and families available," said Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister in a statement.
"Whether you live in New South Wales or Queensland, the Albanese Government is working with all levels of government to support communities when they need it most. We are here for the long haul."
The income support comes after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred battered parts of Southeast Queensland and New South Wales.
It made its landfall on Saturday evening over Southeast Queensland and has since weakened into a trough that extends into NSW, according to the NSW government on Thursday.
The Associated Press reported over the weekend that one person was confirmed dead because of the ex-Tropical Cyclone, while several others were injured.
"At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character. That's exactly what we've seen in the past week in Queensland and New South Wales," Albanese said on Monday. "My message to these communities in this difficult time is we've got your back and will support you through the recovery."
