Australia activates income support for workers affected by Cyclone Alfred, offering financial relief amid flooding

Australia has activated income support for workers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which caused severe flooding, power outages, and damage. Workers whose income drops below the average weekly wage can receive up to 13 weeks of financial assistance.

Australia activates income support for workers affected by Cyclone Alfred, offering financial relief amid flooding

Australia’s government has activated financial assistance for workers impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which caused widespread flooding, power outages, and property damage along the east coast. The storm made landfall late on Saturday, hitting Queensland and New South Wales, causing devastation after being downgraded to a tropical low.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that workers whose income falls below the country’s average weekly wage would be eligible for up to 13 weeks of financial support. The aid, equivalent to the unemployment benefits scheme Jobseeker, is set at A$778 ($490.76) per fortnight and is in addition to a one-off A$1,000 disaster payment.

The cyclone has caused severe disruptions, with more than 230,000 homes and businesses still without power. In the wake of the storm, which brought rainfall totals of up to 433mm (17 inches), authorities have warned of continuing flood risks, despite easing conditions.

With thousands of properties at risk of flooding and nearly 3,000 insurance claims already received, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. This financial support aims to aid affected workers as they recover from the devastating storm.

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