In response to major flooding events sweeping across Australia’s east coast, the Prime Minister and Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Bridget McKenzie, announced disaster assistance is now available for flood-affected communities. Residents in 38 flood-affected local government areas across Queensland and New South Wales can now apply for Commonwealth financial support through Services Australia.

Services Australia.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) provides for $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Disaster Recovery Allowance, a short-term income support payment, is also available. Over 69,000 claims, totalling more than $83 million, have already been finalised. Primary producers in NSW can register for recovery grants of up to $75,000 and small businesses up to $50,000.

Around 2,000 ADF personnel have been deployed to support affected communities to deal with the floods and support clean up work. 11 ADF aircraft are providing support with 54 missions completed, rescuing 103 residents as of Friday morning.

Further information on how to access the payment can be found on the Services Australia website.

Australian Support for the People of Ukraine
The Australian Government has committed significant military and humanitarian assistance to support the Ukrainian people as they seek to repel the brutal Russian invasion. Australia will provide around $70 million in lethal and non-lethal military assistance, including missiles and weapons, and a range of other military equipment and medical supplies in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian Government.

Australia will also send life-saving humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to help meet the urgent needs, including water, shelter and medical supplies. The Prime Minister this week reaffirmed Australian solidarity with the people of Ukraine and said Australia stands ready to provide further assistance should it be requested. 

Earlier in the week, the Prime Minister announced a series of targeted financial sanctions and travel bans, targeting the Russian President and permanent members of Russia’s Security Council. So far, Australia has sanctioned more than 350 Russian individuals, including corrupt oligarchs, MPs, and military commanders. Australia will continue to work with allies and like-minded countries to impose further economic sanctions on Russia.

Backing the Next Generation Hydrogen Fuel Stations
The Morrison Government is boosting its support for the uptake of heavy hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $22.8 million to fund the construction of Australia’s first public New Energies Service Station in Geelong. The Viva Energy hydrogen cell refuelling station will support a range of technologies, including electric vehicle battery recharging and traditional diesel refuelling infrastructure. Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said construction of the hydrogen fuel station forms part of the Government’s strong commitment to reducing emissions in the transport sector through low emissions technologies. 

New PBS listings from 1 March 2022
Australians will have access to four new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March. The new listings include oral anti-viral medicine, Lagevrio, for Australians at the highest risk of developing severe COVID-19. This is the first COVID-19 medicine to be listed on the PBS. Ultomiris will be listed for the first time for patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), a condition that produces defective blood cells, benefiting around 160 Australians a year, who may otherwise pay around $550,000 per year for treatment. The listing of Uvadex will support Australians with chronic graft versus host disease. Mylotarg is also being listed for Australians with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a rare cancer of the blood and bone marrow.