19 March 2025
STRONGER TOGETHER – DISASTER SUPPORT FINALLY EXPANDED
We did it! Finally, common sense has prevailed and the Federal Government’s unfair policy to exclude thousands of Townsville residents from being eligible for disaster relief funding has been overturned.
Today is a win for the local community and thousands of locals who despite suffering flood impacts, were not eligible for support under the poor policy rolled out by Labor.
It is beyond disappointing that it took six weeks of heartache, continued pressure, two letters to the Labor Minister, a letter to the Prime Minister, media articles, thousands of emails, messages and photos to get the support that was offered to those in the south-east before ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred had even crossed the coast.
I am extremely grateful to every single person who has contacted me over the past six weeks. Your continued support on this issue meant we could keep beating the drum until it turned into a roar that Labor’s Canberra-focused Government simply couldn’t ignore any longer.
An expansion of the funding arrangements will now include the broader Townsville Local Government Area, offering support to those residents who have suffered serious impacts because of the floods including damage to their home and serious injury. Some workers and sole traders may be eligible to up to 13 weeks of income support.
To find out more and check your eligibility, go to the Services Australia website at serviesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport.
If I can assist in any further way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Yours sincerely,
Phillip Thompson OAM MP
Federal Member for Herbert