Joint media release with Jaclyn Syme​s MLC

Eight months after the devastating Victorian floods, the Albanese and Andrews Governments are continuing to collaborate on long-term recovery support for flood-impacted Victorians, with over $1.17 billion committed in jointly-funded support being made available for affected communities.

Joint media release with Mick Gentlemen MLA​​​​

The Australian Capital Territory will be better protected and prepared for future natural disasters following today’s announcement of 13 local projects funded under Round One of the Albanese Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund.

Through the first round, the ACT will benefit from over $14 million in combined investment into disaster prevention, through the Federal, State and delivery partner co-contributions.

Joint release with the Hon Meaghan Scanlon

Disaster-prone Queensland regions will benefit from new road and bridge upgrades, and improvements to council flood warning services, through new funding from the Albanese Government.

Another $75 million will be invested to increase flood resilience in Toowoomba, Gympie, Bundaberg, the Southern Downs and Scenic Rim, along with areas impacted by the South-East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding event of February to April 2022.

Joint media release with the Hon Kristy McBain MP and the Hon Emma McBride MP

The Albanese Government is investing $7 million to boost mental health and wellbeing support to enhance resilience to disasters, including support to emergency services workers.

A new National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework will guide how governments and recovery partners can consistently support the mental health and wellbeing of communities before, during and after disaster events.

Joint Media Release with The Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP

An additional $1.57 million is being made available to complete repairs on roads and walking tracks damaged by the 2018-19 Tasmanian Bushfires in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The assistance is being provided by the Albanese and Rockliff Governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Australians who have been through natural disasters are being encouraged to share their experiences as part of the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding.

The review is seeking input on community experiences with funding programs, processes and support, understanding of the roles of the different levels of government during a disaster and thoughts on how the Commonwealth could support communities to reduce their disaster risk.

Public submissions opened last month, and will continue to accept feedback until 10pm AEST on 4 August 2023.

Joint media release with the Hon Di Farmer MP

Three new small business wellness coaches have been appointed to offer free, one-on-one advice to flood-impacted small business  owners to reduce stress, overcome challenges, and improve mental health and wellbeing.

Located in Gympie, Greater Brisbane and Ipswich, they will be supported by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, as part of the $14.5 million Small Business Recovery and Resilience Package rolled-out last year.

Joint media release with the Hon Steven Miles MP

More homeowners in flood-prone areas are set to receive a voluntary home buy-back offer, with the additional purchase of another 300 homes announced today, under the Albanese and Palaszczuk Government’s Resilient Homes Fund.

The jointly funded initiative delivered through Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), was established in May 2022 following the catastrophic 2021-22 rainfall and flooding events.

Joint Media Release with The Hon Mark Furner MP

Primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit agencies still recovering from the devastating floods of early 2022 now have more time to apply for Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000.

Eligible primary producers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 and eligible small businesses and not-for-profits can apply for grants up to $50,000.