Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan has called on the new Minister for Emergency Management to extend the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), giving further income support to people impacted by the floods.
“I congratulate Senator Murray Watt on being sworn in as the new Minister for Emergency Management. This is a vitally important role for our region, and I look forward to a bipartisan approach to flood recovery,” Mr Hogan said.
“I have today written to the Minister and said that his first act should be to extend the DRA and the top-up payment.
“On March 1st we announced the DRA, a thirteen-week payment for those who lost income as a direct result of the flooding.”
“Due to the scale of the disaster, I then secured a $350 weekly top-up payment for those eligible for the DRA in the hardest hit areas.”
Mr Hogan said this has helped thousands of individuals and families to pay their bills and keep food on the table.
“As we pass 3 months since the flood, there is still much work to be done, and with fewer than 20% of Lismore businesses resuming operations at this stage, it is essential the DRA and top-up payment be extended,” Mr Hogan said.
“Given the magnitude of this natural disaster and the scale of the ongoing recovery effort, these income supports are a vital measure required to keep employees connected to businesses as they work to rebuild and reopen to service an important regional centre.”
“I will leave no stone unturned to ensure money continues to flow into our region. I will work with anyone, no matter their political party, to make sure this happens.”
