Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Victorian Government Approves Financial Assistance For Fire-Affected Households In Gippsland

Victor P Taffa

Premier Ted Baillieu today declared the Gippsland fire-affected region as qualifying for the Victorian Government emergency re-establishment assistance payment to eligible households in need.

“Our thoughts are with the residents in the fire-affected townships of Gippsland today, as they come to terms with the tragic loss from this fire and the ongoing threat.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the continuous professional and selfless efforts in which the state’s emergency services – especially our many volunteers – have responded to fight this fire, protect local residents, and support these communities during this difficult time.”

“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring those who are affected by the fire receive adequate support to help them resume a normal life as quickly as possible.”

“So today we’ve approved the activation of emergency financial assistance to help eligible Victorians with the costs of re-establishing their homes where other measures, such as insurance, aren’t available or are insufficient.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Under the Victorian Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance Program, eligible Victorians whose homes are uninhabitable can immediately apply for emergency relief assistance.

“This provides up to $480 per adult and $240 per child – up to a maximum of $1,200 per household – to cover emergency shelter, food, clothing, or personal items.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“In addition, the Victorian Government’s Emergency Re-establishment Assistance program has also been approved for activation.”

“This is available to eligible Victorians in extreme hardship, and whose homes have become uninhabitable due to the current crisis.”

“Each eligible household could claim up to $30,000 for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding and replacing some damaged contents.” Mr. Baillieu said.

The assistance is made available by the Victorian Government, with support from the Commonwealth Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Officers from the Department of Human Services will assess each case individually.

Mr. Baillieu said the assistance was designed to help Victorians in genuine need to re-establish their homes sooner.

“But it doesn’t replace insurance – which will always provide a greater level of cover, so people should contact their insurance providers first.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Victorians seeking emergency relief and recovery support – including advice about possible financial assistance – should contact their local council, or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency