Category: Australian News

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has received the first of two Guardian-class Patrol Boats, delivered through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, at a handover ceremony today in Henderson, Western Australia.

President of the Federated States of Micronesia, His Excellency President David W. Panuelo and Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP welcomed the handover which speaks to the closeness of the relationship, shared values and a vision for the region.

“The people and Government of Australia are not only a partner of our nation, but also a close friend. I reaffirm our nation’s commitment to our partnership with Australia and solicit Australia’s continued efforts to promote Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and security,” President Panuelo said.

“The FSS Tosiwo Nakayama, is bigger, faster, and a categorical improvement in every way over the previous Patrol Boats.

“Named after our first President of the FSM who advocated strongly for a united Micronesia, you have our Government’s guarantee that we will use this sovereign asset of our nation to navigate our way towards a more peaceful and secure Pacific.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP said Australia is proud to continue to partner with the Federated States of Micronesia on maritime security priorities.

“Australia has a longstanding commitment to supporting our Pacific partners through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, working together to address illegal fishing, transnational crime, and other maritime security challenges,” Minister Hastie said.

“Tosiwo Nakayama will provide protection for the FSM’smarine ecosystems and fishing industry, and contribute to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“While the Tosiwo Nakayama crew has been preparing for this handover, the Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Melville was simultaneously supporting maritime surveillance efforts within FSM’s Exclusive Economic Zone to detect and deter suspicious and illicit vessels.”

His Excellency President Panuelo was represented at the event by Commanding Officer of the Patrol Vessel LCDR Paulino Yangitesmal; and Australian Defence Force was represented by CDRE Ivan Ingham, Senior Officer Western Australia.

FSS Tosiwo Nakayama is the 14th of 21 vessels being delivered to 10 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste under the Program and will be joined later this year by the FSM’s second Guardian-class Patrol Boat.

Defence is contributing to the Australian Government’s support to the Queensland and New South Wales governments under Operation Flood Assist 2022.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are working across northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland, where all tasking is coordinated and prioritised through State Emergency Operations Centres.

Defence has significantly increased its support to Operation Flood Assist 2022 in the flood’s aftermath with more than 6000 personnel on task or available for tasking across NSW and Queensland.

ADF personnel continue to provide aerial search and rescue, medical evacuation and reconnaissance, as well as clearing routes in flood-affected areas, supporting communities in clean-up and the delivery of essential supplies to isolated areas.

Chair’s Statement

On 7 March 2022, Australia hosted a virtual Female Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Afghanistan. Ministers from 17 countries participated in the meeting (Australia, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cote D’Ivoire, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tonga). This was the largest meeting of women holding foreign affairs ministerial positions, showing more women are holding this key ministry, and that Ministers are actively working together towards shared goals and outcomes, especially the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Ministers listened to presentations from three Afghan women about approaches and solutions that can be applied to the humanitarian and security crisis in Afghanistan, especially relating to women and girls.

Ministers expressed deep concern about human rights violations, especially the denial of women and girls from full access and participation in education. With the resumption of the Afghan school year this month, it is essential that the Taliban lifts all barriers and prohibitions against the full participation of women and girls in genuine education and schooling.

Ministers agreed to continue close monitoring of the Taliban’s actions, especially relating to women and girls, and to hold the Taliban accountable for its actions.

Ministers also discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the disproportionate effect of refugee movements falling on women and children, and the measures that need to be co-ordinated.

The Federal Government has an important role to play in protecting endangered marine life killed by lethal shark nets and drumlines deployed by the states. It also has a significant role in driving national investment in emerging shark risk mitigation measures to protect ocean goers. 

Unfortunately the Morrison Government has deliberately avoided taking any responsibility and has shown no leadership in this critical matter of public interests. 

The Greens will today be launching a fully funded national shark mitigation plan that protects both precious marine life and people, and is based on extensive evidence from a ground-breaking Senate inquiry. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy ocean, Senator Peter Whish Wilson said:

“Sharks have played a critical role in the Dreaming, song, dance, culture and law of First Nations people since time began. For many First Nations people sharks continue to be important as a connection to culture, songline, Country, Sea Country and community.

“However, despite this cultural and ecological importance, shark numbers are falling at an alarming rate, declining by around 70 percent since the 1970s

“Fixed-drum lines and mesh-nets are designed to entangle and kill sharks but are also indiscriminate killers and weapons of mass destruction to other protected marine life.

“There is no evidence that nets and drumlines make ocean-goers safe. They are merely fisheries devices designed to lower shark populations and provide a false sense of security to surfers, swimmers and other ocean goers.

“Australia is the only country in the world to utilise these lethal and unjustified measures, making us an international embarrassment.

“The Greens have been campaigning for over a decade to transition away from outdated lethal methods of shark control and replace them with measures that help better protect both human life and marine life. 

“In 2018 the Australian Senate inquiry into shark mitigation policy found that the Federal Government needs to show leadership in striking the right balance between mitigating the risks of shark encounters and conserving nature.

“The Federal Government has a clear and critical responsibility in protecting federally listed endangered marine life, as well all Australians who love and use the ocean.

“The issue of shark mitigation needs to be a nationally coordinated approach with evidence-based programs and consistency across states. 

“The Greens have a blueprint for the federal government to help manage the risk of shark encounters and strike the right balance between the role of government and personal responsibility.” 

The Greens will: 

• End federal exemptions used by the states for new lethal shark control measures for the use of lethal shark nets and drum lines; 
• Fund $50 million over ten years to supercharge research and development of non-lethal shark control measures that can replace nets and drum lines;
• Establish a National Sharks Working Group across all states that will look at multiple ways to make ocean goers safer; 
• Establish a publicly accessible national database of interactions with shark control measures, critical for research and education-awareness programs.
• Have the ACCC investigate all existing shark mitigation technologies for efficacy and establish national advertising and product promotion standards 

More than $127.8 million will be invested into mental health and suicide prevention support and services in South Australia over the next five years, following the signing of a landmark bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and South Australian governments.

The Commonwealth will invest $66.1 million and South Australia will invest $61.8 million to expand mental health care services to where they are needed the most.

The funding includes:

• $101.1 million to establish a network of Adult Mental Health Centres (Head to Health) in Northern Adelaide and Mount Barker which will be co-located with new state-funded services including a Crisis Stabilisation Centre, and two additional Head to Health satellite centres.
• $10.8 million to establish a new Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre to address gaps in the mental health system to provide culturally appropriate and more integrated mental health and suicide prevention services to Aboriginal peoples.
• $15.6 million to establish one new headspace centre and enhance existing headspace centres to increase access to multidisciplinary youth mental health services in South Australia.
• $400,000 to implement an Initial Assessment and Referral Tool and National phone/digital intake service that supports consistent intake and referral integration across the mental health and suicide prevention system.

In addition to these initiatives, the Commonwealth and South Australia governments will substantially deepen their partnership in the mental health and suicide prevention system, through greater data sharing and evaluation of services, closer integration of referral pathways, and working together on the regional planning and commissioning of services.

The bilateral agreement will also build and support the mental health and suicide prevention workforce, including the peer workforce.

Premier Steven Marshall said only a re-elected Liberal Government will fix the mental health mess Labor left after 16 years in Government.

“A re-elected Marshall Government will build on our strong mental health record to ensure we help South Australians when they need it the most, helping to alleviate pressure on our emergency departments around the entire state,” Premier Marshall said.

“We want to build a stronger future for our state, and ensuring we have the best health care, closer to home for all South Australians is what we have already delivered and will continue to deliver if we are re-elected.

“Importantly, providing more support and care services to people struggling with their mental health will alleviate the pressure on our Emergency Departments and allow people to access mental health care in a more appropriate environment. 

“This package of programs and services is designed to support and care for South Australians when they need it most so that we can build a mentally resilient and healthy community – no matter where you live,” Premier Marshall said.

As a result of this landmark agreement, young Australians across South Australia will have better access to mental health services, with headspace receiving a significant boost in funding to substantially expand and enhance services.

Staffing levels will be increased at a number of headspace services across South Australia, and one new centre will be established. These services will be well integrated with local South Australian services to ensure a supportive transition for those experiencing severe and complex mental ill health.

Four new adult Head to Health treatment centres will also be established, including a new centre in Northern Adelaide which will be co-located with a Crisis Stabilisation Centre and a new centre in Mount Barker. Two new satellite services will also be established.

This is in addition to the state’s first Head to Health centre that opened in Adelaide in March 2021 and will continue to support South Australians in the ‘missing middle’ and those who are too unwell for the general primary care system, but not unwell enough to require inpatient hospital services or intensive state-based community care.

Care will be delivered by multidisciplinary teams consisting of psychiatrists, general practitioners, psychologists, alcohol and drug specialists, mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, mental health workers and lived experience workers.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the agreement will ensure South Australians will have access to additional mental health support, when and where they need it.

“This landmark partnership between the Commonwealth and South Australia will have a significant impact on the lives of many Australians across the state, including young Australians, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Hunt said.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said today’s announcement builds on the Marshall Liberal Government’s already significant investment in Mental Health over the past four years.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is investing a record $7.85 billion in South Australia’s health system in 2021-22 – $1.35 billion more than in the last year of the former Labor government,” Minister Wade said.

“This includes a significant $530 million annual investment in mental health services and programs to ensure South Australians can access the services they need in the most appropriate setting – which is often community-based rather than in an emergency department.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the bilateral agreement will also fund a new Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre to provide culturally appropriate services to the Aboriginal population of South Australia.

“This new centre will help reduce the heartbreaking suicide rate in Indigenous communities and supports our commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.

The bilateral agreement forms part of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, which has been endorsed in-principle by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments and is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

The National Agreement considers key mental health reports and inquiries including recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser’s Final Advice. It outlines actions to build a comprehensive, coordinated, consumer focused and compassionate mental health and suicide prevention system to support all Australians. 

The National Agreement will clarify roles and responsibilities; progress improvements in the mental health services available to adults, children and youth; improve data collection, sharing and evaluation; reduce gaps in the system of care; expand and enhance the workforce, including the peer workforce; and work to improve mental health and suicide prevention for all Australians, across a range of settings.

The Morrison Government has invested a historic $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan through the 2020-21 Budget to deliver significant reform of the mental health system and ensure that all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings the health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021–22 to a record high of $6.5 billion.

Australians needing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au 

Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.

If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Young Australians needing support can access free services through Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), their local headspace or online through eheadspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/).

An additional $551.7 million will be provided to support flood affected communities across New South Wales as part of the next round of Commonwealth and New South Wales Government funding.

This funding builds on the initial $434.7 million in joint funding announced last week, to provide support for families, communities and businesses to recover from the devastating floods, totaling almost $1 billion in support across New South Wales.

This additional funding will provide support to small businesses, primary producers, councils, households, and families hard hit by the devastating floods.

The new funding provides $285.2 million for the new Temporary Housing Support package, which will support those on the Northern Rivers who cannot live in their homes while they’re being repaired or have lost their home entirely. It’s estimated that this could assist up to 25,000 households, and includes;

• Immediate hotel accommodation, to provide accommodation for four nights, with flexibility to increase while people make interim arrangements.
• Grants towards initial rental costs, from $6,000 for an individual up to $18,000 for a six person household
• Utilising Mobile Motor Homes and Recreation Camps for medium term accommodation
• Extending the Temporary Dwelling Program, which allows people to stay on their land in a caravan or demountable, for example.

There are also supports for 45 Local Government Areas to help with the removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste.

Grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses and not for profit organisations devastated by flooding will also be extended to the additional 28 disaster declared LGAs, delivered by the Rural Assistance Authority and Service NSW.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this support package would help families, communities and businesses as they continue their recovery.

“We will continue to stand side by side with those affected by these devastating floods, from the initial emergency response, to the clean-up and as they look to the future,” the Prime Minister said.

“Supporting the immediate housing needs is a further critical area of support. There are many more steps ahead of us to restore these devastated communities that experienced the equivalent of an inland tsunami.

“This next phase of funding is in addition to the Commonwealth’s Disaster Relief Payment of $1,000 and the 13-week income replacement for employees and small businesses, which has so far provided $310 million in support to more than 268,000 recipients.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was vital the thousands of people who had been displaced were able to get started with their recovery.

“This support package will help those impacted by the floods to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Premier Perrottet said.

“Rebuilding won’t be a quick process and that is why we are using a flexible approach to provide people with the help they need now and into the future so communities can rebuild their homes and businesses as quickly as possible.”

Since 22 February, 45 LGAs have been declared as disaster areas and are eligible for support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said this was the next phase of support offered by the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments.

“Working together we are able to respond to the needs of the community as recovery starts, and I am continuing to work with my state counterparts to get the right support delivered to our communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said all available resources will be allocated to help communities that were already reeling from consecutive disasters.

“This flooding emergency has impacted thousands of people but we are working around the clock to make sure support is available for everyone who needs it,” Deputy Premier Toole said.

“We know the recovery will be long but we have the backs of the regional communities and we will be with them every step of the way in the weeks, months and years ahead.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said there were now numerous support options being delivered, including the locally-based Recovery Centres.

“As flood waters recede, we are setting up these one-stop shops for our flood-affected communities to register for clean-up services, financial assistance, insurance and legal support, business support and mental health services,” Minister Cooke said.

“The Recovery Centres will stay open for as long as necessary as will the Customer Care specialists which are available on 13 77 88.”

The new package includes;

• $285 million Temporary Housing Support package
• $75,000 primary producers and the $50,000 small business and not-for-profit grants extended to all disaster declared LGAs
• $1 million grants to additional 28 impacted councils to assist with their immediate social, built, economic and environmental needs.
• $90 million to assist with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste for the additional 28 disaster declared LGAs

The size and capability of the Australian Defence Force will be significantly increased by the Morrison Government to keep Australians safe in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Under the plan, the number of ADF personnel will increase by around 30 per cent by 2040, taking the total permanent ADF to almost 80,000 personnel. 

Overall, Defence’s total permanent workforce will increase to over 101,000 by 2040 – an increase of 18,500 over baseline growth already agreed in the 2020 Force Structure Plan.

The estimated cost of this expansion is at least $38 billion over the period to 2040, which is a significant investment in ensuring our ADF has the right people and skills to keep our nation safe.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was never a more important time to invest in increasing the size of the Australian Defence Force.

“The first priority of my Government is keep Australians safe and to do that we need a bigger ADF with more soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to operate the cutting-edge capabilities we’re getting to protect Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our world is becoming increasingly uncertain so it’s important we take steps now to protect our people and our national interest over the coming decades.

“You can’t flick a switch to increase your army, navy and air force overnight, growing the type of people and skills we need to face the threats of the future takes time, so we must start now so critical skills can be taught and experience gained.

“ADF personnel will be increased in every state and territory with a particular focus on capabilities associated with our trilateral security partnership between Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS), as well as air, sea, land, space and cyber.”

Labor’s defence spending as a share of GDP dropped to 1.56 per cent in the 2012-13 Budget – the lowest level of funding since 1938. In their last three years in Government, Labor cut Defence spending by 10.5 per cent in real terms. Our Government has increased investment in defence to more than two per cent of GDP.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said under the 2020 Force Structure Plan workforce growth was critical to deliver and operate the capabilities Defence needs to secure Australia’s strategic environment, protect Australia’s interests, and build a credible military force.

“Defence operates with a highly integrated workforce spanning the Australian Defence Force, civilians and industry providers, with each bringing specialised skills and expertise,” Minister Dutton said.

“This growth in workforce and expertise will enable us to deliver our nuclear powered submarines, ships, aircraft and advanced weapons. It will mean we can build warfighting capabilities in the domains of space, and information and cyber.

“It will also build the resilience we need in critical areas and enable our people to increase intelligence, information and communications capacity.

“Defence industry will also be fundamental to supporting Defence’s capability delivery and workforce growth to deliver current and enhanced technologies, systems and equipment.”

The Government remains committed to developing a strong, sustainable and secure Australian defence industry and supports leading edge national innovation. Through initiatives such as the Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Strategy, Defence continues to help industry equip itself with the skilled workforce it requires to support the Australian Defence Force.

The expanded defence workforce will span all states and territories, cities and regional areas with a majority of the growth expected to occur in QLD, NSW, SA and WA.

Australia will provide significant additional military assistance and emergency humanitarian support to help the people of Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia.

Australia stands in solidarity with our friends and partners in supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia utterly for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on its neighbour.

Australia will provide around $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine, including missiles and weapons. We will also provide a range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian Government.

Our contributions will complement actions taken by partners such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the European Union and other European nations – each of which we welcome. We will work with and through our closest partners and allies to supplement the already substantial support from the international community.

Australia will also commit immediate humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people. This assistance will deliver lifesaving services and supplies, including the provision of shelter, food, medical care and water.

Our lethal and non-lethal military assistance, along with our humanitarian funding, are in addition to the significant sanctions we have already imposed on Russia.

With the situation now seriously deteriorating after Russia’s invasion, current indications are that at least 160,000 people have been displaced inside Ukraine and around half a million people have fled to neighbouring countries. Numbers of displaced people will rise sharply as the security situation deteriorates further.

The cost of Russia’s aggression is being borne by innocent Ukrainians. This is a challenge the international community will meet, and Australia stands ready to provide further humanitarian assistance to support the people of Ukraine, including those fleeing to neighbouring countries.

Russia’s action

Whilst relentless rains, storms and floods hammer vast regions of NSW and Queensland, homeowners, businesses, commercial and rural property owners are being warned to prepare for the hidden danger of asbestos that lurks in one in three Australian homes and in rural and commercial property structures.

Countless numbers of homes, businesses and rural properties have been destroyed or damaged leaving thousands homeless, waiting for floodwaters to subside before commencing the heartbreaking task of cleaning up, and in many cases rebuilding after homes and businesses have been completely destroyed.

Cherie Barber, Ambassador for the National Asbestos Awareness campaign is urging impacted property owners, residents and volunteers to be wary of potential dangers posed by damaged asbestos-containing materials found in homes, buildings, structures and flood debris that may have washed onto their properties.

“When homes and other buildings containing asbestos are damaged or destroyed during floods, wind and storms, asbestos-containing materials can become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable causing a health risk to homeowners, property owners, property managers and the community if these materials aren’t managed correctly and disposed of safely,” Ms Barber said.

“Before commencing the clean-up, to protect themselves, their families and communities; property owners must visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to learn how to identify and manage asbestos safely.

“They should also contact their local Council or Emergency Services for important information about asbestos and if asbestos needs to be removed, please only use professional licenced asbestos removalists because it’s not worth the risk,” she said.

Asbestos was used in the manufacture of more than 3000 building and decorator products that can still be found in any brick, weatherboard, clad or fibro home built or renovated prior to 1990. It was used everywhere and may be in many forms including flat or corrugated sheets (fibro) used for walls, ceilings, roofing or in products such as pipes, electrical conduit, eaves, wall and floor tiles and other structures including garages and garden sheds.

In many coastal regions hit hard by the current flood disaster, often original ‘weekenders or shacks’ were constructed from flat and corrugated (fibro) sheeting including external and internal walls and ceilings, while in rural and regional areas, homes; fences, storage sheds, chook sheds, out houses and stock sheds may have been constructed from asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos was also commonly used in the construction of commercial and non-residential properties such as shops or public buildings prior to December 2003.

Bret Baker, President of the Asbestos & Hazmat Removal Contractors Association of NSW (AHRCA) and a Civil and Environmental Engineer with more than 25 years experienced in asbestos removal and demolition warned property owners of the serious hazards after floodwaters subside including asbestos.

“It’s important that property owners and volunteers do not walk on corrugated asbestos roofs or enter any buildings until authorised to do so by Council or Emergency Services,” Mr Baker said.

“Erosion, heavy rains, winds and tree branches may have caused additional damage to already aged asbestos roofs as well as the walls of the structure. While homes, commercial properties and other structures (sheds, garages and stock sheds etc.) may be structurally unsound and vulnerable to collapse.

“Other potential hazards property owners need to avoid include damaged asbestos-containing materials, sharp edges, protruding nails and broken materials including glass and timber that could be found in building rubble, damaged structures and flood debris,” said Mr Baker.

“When it comes to managing asbestos, the first rule is, if you think a building material, product or debris may contain asbestos, treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions in line with regulations,” he said.

“When storms and floods hit, whole buildings and even stockpiled asbestos-containing materials (particularly flat or corrugated sheeting commonly known as fibro) can be picked up by floodwaters and moved from one location to another.

“So, even if your home was built after 1990, it is likely that during floods, miscellaneous debris and rubbish including asbestos-containing materials from elsewhere can end up on your property and pose a risk.

“Should you find displaced structures and debris containing asbestos on your property, it’s vital that these materials are managed safely and in line with regulations,” Mr Baker said.

Homeowners, commercial and rural property owners and managers should visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au for information on how to identify asbestos-containing building materials and decorator products and find out what they need to know to manage asbestos safely following storms and floods.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reassuring flood-impacted communities in Queensland and New South Wales that support is available. The ATO recognises the situation is evolving, with many areas continuing to face challenging conditions while others are in different stages of recovery.

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Watson said that people still dealing with the immediate impacts of the floods should not worry about tax and focus on current concerns. Those who are able, can contact the ATO or their tax professional if they are struggling to meet their tax obligations.

“We want to assure the community that support is available if and when you need it. We understand the lasting impacts disasters like this can have for affected communities. We are committed to assisting people to get back on track,” Mr Watson said.

The ATO is also providing support for small business and individual taxpayers in affected local government areas (LGAs) in Queensland and New South Wales who need to lodge business activity statements and instalment notices with an original due date of 28 February 2022 or 21 March 2022.

“There is no need for taxpayers impacted by floods in these local government areas to call and request a deferral for business activity statements that are now due,” Mr Watson said.

These taxpayers can lodge relevant returns up until 28 March 2022 and do not need to request a lodgment deferral if they are able to lodge by that date. If unable to lodge by 28 March 2022, taxpayers or their tax professional can apply for a deferral, which will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

The ATO also has a range of practical options available to support those who have been affected by the floods, like the support we offered during the 2019/20 bushfires and COVID-19. Depending on individual circumstances, the ATO will develop a tailored plan for you and your small business.

“We know your tax affairs may be the last thing on your mind, but we’re here to help with tailored support when the time is right, whether you’re an individual or small business owner. The payment due date of these lodgments will not change however we will take an empathic approach to your situation,” Mr Watson said.

If your records have been damaged or destroyed during a disaster or incident, the ATO can re-issue copies of income tax returns, activity statements and notice of assessments. If you have lost your tax file number, we can use another method to verify who you are and help you access your tax information.

If your tax circumstances have changed because of floods, you can change your GST reporting cycle to monthly reporting and payment and vary your PAYG instalments.

The ATO recognises that not all taxpayers in flood affected LGAs have been directly impacted. These taxpayers should contact the ATO or their tax professional to discuss their circumstances if they need additional support.

The ATO is also supporting tax professionals in affected areas. Tax professionals that have been affected by the floods can contact the ATO when ready for tailored support through our supported lodgment program.

For more information visit ato.gov.au/NaturalDisasters or phone the ATO’s dedicated Emergency support line on 1800 806 218.