Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

This is a matter that we should not take lightly. Houses have been burnt. The government is committed to supporting individuals and communities affected by the bushfires in Western Australia. I also acknowledge the tremendous effort of the personnel involved in fighting those fires. The Commonwealth assistance is being provided to the Western Australian government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. It currently applies to the local government districts of Armadale, Canning, Chittering, Serpentine, Swan and one other. The natural disaster relief and recovery assistance includes emergency assistance for people who have suffered personal hardship. This includes the provision of emergency assistance such as accommodation, food, essential clothing and other personal items, and payments of up to $388 per eligible adult and up to $194 per eligible child. (Time expired)