New initiative to help disaster affected Queenslanders

The Queensland Government will trial a new 'prepaid card' this wet season in the hope of more efficiently assisting disaster affected Queenslanders.

Acting Premier Andrew Fraser today announced a trial of the cards, which will allow the Queensland Government to pay Emergent Assistance Grants to eligible residents more quickly and securely.

Under the current system, used during the floods and natural disasters last January, Queenslanders eligible for relief payments were issued with a cheque which they would then need to cash in.

"Sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference during times of crisis and this initiative is about getting more prepared and providing greater support during those tough times," Mr Fraser said.

"A prepaid card that can be used like cash at the local shops will hopefully make that initial recovery process easier for those affected.

"During natural disasters, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need and sometimes that can be difficult with cheque payments.

"The State Government has made over 56,000 Emergent Assistance Grant payments totalling over $20 million in response to disasters in 2010-11."

Mr Fraser said the Queensland Government partnered with Westpac and Visa to develop the cards, 4,000 of which will be trialled this wet season, with a view to using them across the state in future seasons.

"The Emergent Assistance Grant payments are about getting some cash to those affected quickly, and a prepaid card can achieve that far more efficiently than a cheque."

Mr Fraser said that at this time last year, there were already eight local government areas disaster declared.

"Of course, no-one was predicting the enormous impact the natural disasters would have on Queensland, with every single local council area in the state disaster-declared at some point.

"While there are some parts of Queensland experiencing wet weather, we all hope Queensland is spared Mother Nature's fury this time around.

"If she does strike, these prepaid cards will be rolled out and hopefully assist in the initial recovery."

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
30/12/2011
New initiative to help disaster affected Queenslanders

 

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Publish Date: 03 Jan 12

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