Morrison Government support for families and child care services hit by floods in New South Wales and Queensland

Support is available to assist families affected by severe flooding in large areas of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert MP, said assistance was available to help families and child care services manage during the immediate flood emergency period and the recovery phase to come.

‘Australian Government support is in place now to alleviate where we can the immense upheaval for families and communities across multiple local government areas in south-east Queensland and northern NSW due to the flooding,’ Minister Robert said.

‘Families in affected areas should be aware that children have 52 allowable absence days from child care this financial year.

‘While the number of allowable absence days was increased due to COVID-19 they can be used for any reason, including for this flood emergency.

‘Importantly, child care services can continue to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) while they are closed during a local emergency.

‘Flood-affected families, including those whose homes have been destroyed or badly damaged, may also be eligible for extra help with the cost of child care through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship). Families must apply directly to Centrelink.’

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said child care services facing financial viability issues or closure due to the floods could also apply for a Special Circumstances grant.

‘Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances Grants are available to approved services that operate in, or provide care for, disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,’ Minister McKenzie said.

‘We will continue to closely monitor the flood emergency and Commonwealth assistance may be extended to other local government areas.’

Minister Robert said the Government provides special circumstances support for non-government schools through the Choice and Affordability Fund for schools facing financial difficulties due to the floods.

Non-government schools that are impacted by floods should approach their Non-Government Representative Body that manages the allocation of the special circumstances funding to discuss their needs.

The Morrison Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to support people in the local government areas impacted by flooding in  south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment. The payment is available to eligible people in affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

For more information on the targeted support available to child care providers, services and families in the event of a local emergency visit: www.dese.gov.au/child-care-package/ccp-resources-providers/help-emergency

The Australian Government provides a range of payments and services to individuals affected by a major disaster. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster