Joint media release with the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is activating financial assistance for Queenslanders impacted by the Northern Queensland Rainfall and Flooding (commencing 24 December 2025) event.
From 2:00pm local time on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, the Albanese Government Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be available for eligible people in the following 11 local government areas:
- Burke Shire
- Carpentaria Shire
- Cloncurry Shire
- Croydon Shire
- Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire
- Etheridge Shire
- Flinders Shire
- McKinlay Shire
- Mount Isa City
- Richmond Shire
- Winton Shire
DRA supports people who’ve lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
People can check their eligibility for the DRA on the Services Australia website: Services Australia Natural disaster support
These supports are on top of the assistance measures jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.
The quickest way to claim is online through myGov.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:
“Services Australia is joining the recovery effort in northern Queensland to help those who have been out of work for a significant period of time in these areas get back on their feet.
“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for many as floodwaters recede and people return to their homes to assess damage, all while facing a looming threat of more severe weather.
“Recognising this, people have 6 months to claim the DRA, and I encourage anyone who thinks they might be to apply to check their eligibility.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“The impact of this event, while not fully known at this time, is widespread and the Albanese Government is putting its shoulder to the wheel to help as much as we can.
“Floodwaters and road closures have prevented entire communities from being able to travel to their workplace or open their businesses. When they are no longer isolated, they still need to get on with the job of cleaning up.
“While Queenslanders are tough, our government is stepping up to give them a hand where it’s needed most.”
