Centrelink glows in
bushfire response

Centrelink staff in Tasmania were quick to respond to the recent bushfires, processing more than 5,300 claims for assistance in the first two weeks, worth just over $6 million.
   Minister for Human Services, Senator Kim Carr said that as the recovery effort was into its third week, the hard-working staff on the ground had been rested last weekend.
   “Department staff mobilised quickly following the activation of the payment earlier this month and have been working hard in communities such as Sorell, Dunalley, Ellendale and Nubeena since that time to support people,” Senator Carr said.
5,300 claims already processed
   He said the Mobile Service Centre which had been stationed at Dunalley for the early part of the recovery effort had been moved to other bushfire-affected communities in the past week.
   “I encourage anyone who lives in an area where the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is available to test their eligibility as soon as possible,” he said.
   Senator Carr said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment was a one-off payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for each eligible child.
   He said it was available to those who had been injured as a direct result of the bushfires; those whose home had been significantly damaged or destroyed; those who were unable to gain access to their home for at least 24 hours; or those whose home was without electricity, water, gas, sewage services or another essential service for a continuous period of 48 hours.
Edition 345F, 25 January 2013
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