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With the development of the bushfires across the state and the notice that this disaster has greatly exceeded any past devastation caused by bushfires in Victoria, the Australian and Victorian Governments announced immediate cash relief grants to fire victims.
Government Assistance
Please telephone the Victorian Department of Human Services on 1300 650 172 for information and access to the following grants:
The Australian Government is also assisting those affected; they have made available a dedicated immediate assistance helpline:
Please call Centrelink on 180 22 11.
The Australian Tax Office is offering support to bushfire victims including:
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Fast tracking of tax refunds
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Extension of time to pay tax debts and a waiver of interest charges, and
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Assistance with restructuring financial/tax records, including a visit from a field officer if required to achieve this.
For detailed information on the types of assistance offered by the ATO, visit the ATO website. The relevant information can be found by following the following path: Individuals -> Your Situation -> Other Situations -> Dealing with Disasters.
People requiring assistance from the ATO should phone 13 11 42 and select option 3 a dedicated department to assist those affected by bushfires.
Assistance is also available for businesses such as extensions of time to submit Business Activity Statements etc.
The Financial Ombudsman Service has established a dedicated hotline for all bushfire and flood victims seeking help and information on insurance or other financial issues experienced as a result of the disasters.
Please call 1800 337 444 and your call will be put directly through to our disaster helpline team.
Insurance Hotlines
The Insurance Council telephone number 1300 728 228 and the Insurance Ombudsman telephone line1300 780 808 have dedicated telephone assistance for those affected by the Victorian bush fires.
Victoria Legal Aid
Many people have lost family, friends, property, pets and livestock in the bushfires and during this difficult time it is important to understand your legal rights.
Call the Victorian bushfire legal help line on 1800 113 432 to get free legal information including contracts and business issues.
Other Links:
Victorian Bushfire Information Line:
1800 240 667
CFA Website for Current Updates and Advice:
www.cfa.vic.gov.au
DHS website – List of Emergency Relief and Recovery Centres:
www.dhs.vic.gov.au
Registration and Licensing Arrangements From VicRoads
Financial Counselling Services in Victoria
Information and Options from Banks and Other Financial Institutions
Telecommunications Information for Those Affected by Bushfires
Energy and Water Information for Those Affected by Bushfires
Government Assistance for Small Business
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