Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland have announced Commonwealth Government assistance for people in Far North Queensland affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasi. The Queensland Government declared 19 local government areas across Far North Queensland natural disaster zones - Burdekin, Burke, Cairns, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Croydon, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Mackay, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, Whitsunday Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

Assistance from the federal government will be provided to Queensland through the jointly funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). Funding will be provided for the cost of counter disaster operations as well as for personal hardship and distress payments. Payments available through the Queensland include emergency assistance grants of $170 per person. Up to a maximum of $780 for a family of five or more is available. Essential household contents grants of up to $1,660 for individuals and $4,980 for families are also provided ad well as repairs to dwelling grants of up to $10,250 for individuals and $13,800 for families.

The government said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will also be available to people in these areas significantly affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasi. These payments will see $1000 for each eligible adult and $400 for each eligible child in the hands of families in need, including people who were forced to leave their homes or whose homes have sustained major damage.

The government will likewise extend additional support for eligible employees, small businesses and farmers in these areas who can demonstrate a loss of income as a direct result of Tropical Cyclone Yasi. The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy is a fortnightly payment of up to the maximum rate of existing Newstart Allowance for a period of 13 weeks. The subsidy will be available to those who will experience a loss of income as a direct result of the cyclone and its impact and are not currently receiving any other income support payment or pension.