QLD Disaster Payments and Support

March 18, 2025

Support for Queenslanders following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

When a major weather event occurs, as we’ve seen recently in South East Queensland, it’s often difficult to navigate avenues for support across different Government agencies. Here’s an easy guide to the support that is available for Queensland residents and business owners in the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 



Hardship assistance from your bank


Most financial institutions have disaster and recovery support such as short-term loan relief, restructuring support, and waiving fees. See the Australian Bankers Association website for more information on how to get support. 



Tax on disaster payments and grants


Unless declared otherwise, grants, support payments and disaster payments will often be assessed as income in your tax return. However, this depends on the nature of the payment and what it relates to. The ATO provides a summary here.


If you have received an insurance payout, in some circumstances this will be taxable and a capital gain or loss triggered when the asset was destroyed. The ATO provides some basic details here



Support for Individuals and Families

  • Disaster Recovery Payment (A once off lump sum payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child younger than 16)
  • Disaster Recovery Allowance (Support for lost income when you can’t work with a payment equivalent to the maximum equivalent JobSeeker or Youth Allowance payment for up to 13 weeks)
  • Crisis Payments (Provides additional support for those on some income support payments forced to leave their home during extreme conditions)
  • Centrelink Special Benefit (Provides a payment if you are in financial distress and unable to support yourself and your family, and are not eligible for other support)
  • Emergency Hardship Assistance (Emergency payment of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to help purchase food, clothing and medical supplies or secure temporary accommodation)
  • Essential Services Hardship Assistance (Grant of $150 for individuals and up to $750 for families of five or more who have been without essential services for more than 5 days – power, gas, water, sewage)
  • Household Contents Grant (A grant of $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families who need to replace household items, cannot claim insurance, and meet an income test)
  • Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme ($200 towards inspection costs and $4,200 for repairs and replacement costs for essential services)
  • Structural Assistance Grant (A grant of up to $80,000 to support uninsured, low income, owner-occupiers make their homes habitable)



Support for Businesses and Primary Producers




SHARE POST:

RECENT POST:

March 27, 2025
The Australian Government’s 2025-26 Federal Budget, unveiled earlier this week, has certainly grabbed attention with its proposed personal income tax cuts. The tax savings will be gradual, with up to $268 in savings for individuals in the 2026-27 year, and up to $536 from 2027-28 onwards. The Government has allocated almost $1 billion to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to enhance its compliance programs. While this is aimed at improving the integrity of the tax system, businesses and individuals alike should be prepared for an increased focus on compliance as the ATO ramps up its efforts to ensure tax obligations are met. Other Key Budget Measures You Should Know About Tax on Super Accounts Over $3 Million: The proposed 30% tax on future earnings for superannuation balances above $3 million is still under consideration. If passed, it would affect high-balance super accounts, potentially reshaping the landscape of superannuation for some investors. Small Business Support: The $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses remains in the Budget for the 2024-25 financial year. While the measure has not yet passed Parliament, it could provide a valuable tax incentive for businesses investing in assets to grow their operations. Healthcare and Education Initiatives: The Government has allocated $8.5 billion for Medicare, including funding for 50 new urgent care clinics and bulk-billed GP services. On the education front, $500 million will go towards reducing HECS-HELP debt and adjusting repayment schedules, helping students manage their debts more effectively. Energy and Housing Relief: There’s also $180 billion dedicated to extending the $150 energy bill rebate until the end of 2025, alongside $800 million for the "Help to Buy" housing scheme, making it easier for Australians to step onto the property ladder. Economic Outlook: Slow Growth and Ongoing Deficits The Australian economy is projected to grow at a modest pace, with GDP growth forecasts at 2.25% for 2025-26 and 2.5% for 2026-27. While employment remains strong, with over one million jobs added since May 2022, the country is still facing a budget deficit of $42.1 billion in 2025-26. Public debt is expected to rise as a result, reaching 21.5% of GDP by 2025-26. Despite these challenges, the Government has also put forward measures to assist with the rising cost of living, including energy rebates and initiatives aimed at reducing inflation. What Does This Mean for You? Whether you’re an individual looking to take advantage of the tax cuts, a small business seeking clarity on asset write-offs, or someone looking to benefit from the energy rebates or housing support, the 2025-26 Federal Budget is likely to affect you. If you need advice on tax planning, superannuation, or any of the new measures, our team of experts is here to assist.  Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, the advice and information provided on this site should not be construed as a substitute for consulting with a qualified accounting or tax professional. The authors and contributors to this blog do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content, or for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.
March 12, 2025
While business owners are often passionate about their products or services, they can sometimes overlook essential financial elements that can make or break their business.
February 19, 2025
As a business owner, one of the first decisions you’ll face is selecting the right business structure.
January 6, 2025
As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to set the stage for a successful year ahead. Whether you’re looking to scale up, streamline operations, or ensure financial stability, the decisions you make now will set the foundation for a prosperous year ahead. 
Share by: