Introduction
Emergency Relief is funded from the Financial Management Program and aims to assist people in financial crisis to deal with their immediate crisis situation in a way that maintains the dignity of the individual and encourages self reliance.
Assistance from Emergency Relief providers to clients is generally in the form of:
- purchase vouchers of a fixed value (for example, food, transport or chemist vouchers)
- part-payment of an outstanding account (for example rent/accommodation; utility account/s)
- material assistance such as household goods, food parcels or clothing
- budgeting assistance and
- information, advocacy and referrals.
Emergency Relief funding is provided to a range of community and charitable organisations to provide emergency assistance to people in financial crisis. Emergency Relief services are an important gateway to other services and supports that can help people deal with more complex issues, including issues that have contributed to, or are a consequence of, financial stress. For example, Emergency Relief organisations also refer people to services such as:
- financial counselling
- financial literacy programs
- drug and alcohol support
- crisis accommodation
- mental health and
- family support.
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From time to time, additional funding may be provided to meet specific needs. For example, in February 2009, the Government provided $5 million to help people in financial crisis following the natural disasters in Victoria and Queensland, as well as $80.4 million over three financial years to help people affected by the global financial crisis.
The Australian Government has been providing funding for Emergency Relief since 1977. Historically, emergency assistance for people in crisis was provided through local initiatives and networks by various non-government organisations, welfare, charitable and religious organisations and community groups. The Australian Government decided to provide additional assistance and support to an already successful initiative within the community.
Organisations Providing Emergency Relief
In 2010-11 approximately 700 community organisations, operating 1350 outlets, are receiving Emergency Relief funding. For many organisations, the Australian Government is not their only source of Emergency Relief funding. Some organisations receive other government funding and many organisations receive donations from the public.
Funding
When it commenced Emergency Relief funding was $0.5 million. At the start of 2008-09, funding was $36.2 million. In February 2009, the Government doubled funding for Emergency Relief with effect from 1 March 2009 until 30 June 2011, in recognition of the impact of the global financial crisis on vulnerable individuals and families. In 2010-11, Emergency Relief funding totals $64.4 million.
The annual base funding is allocated in accordance with the latest population and Centrelink data as follows:
- 91 per cent is allocated based on the proportion of people receiving Government payments in each region. The payments that are taken into account are Disability Support Payment, Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment (Single), Youth Allowance, Family Tax Benefit Part A, Community Development Employment Projects and Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment.
- 8 per cent goes to organisations whose client base is largely indigenous, and
- 1 per cent is retained to provide training and support to ER workers, the majority of whom are volunteers.
The Indigenous allocation is based on the location of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population using Australian Bureau of Statistics’ data.
This methodology aims to provide an equitable distribution of funding nationally. For this reason, funding grants to individual agencies or locations are not guaranteed and may change from year to year.
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Administrative obligations of organisations
Each organisation is required to enter into a funding agreement with the Australian Government to deliver Emergency Relief services. The funding agreement contains specific requirements relating to the provision of Emergency Relief services and Terms and Conditions that govern the use of grant funds. The current funding agreement is for a two year period (2009-11).
Organisations are required to provide Emergency Relief in accordance with the Financial Management Program Guidelines.
Service providers are required to provide performance reports/client data reports and financial statements/reports in accordance with their funding agreements. This information contributes to the overall monitoring and evaluation of the Financial Management Program.
How to apply for funding
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) national office is responsible for the ongoing policy development and program management of Emergency Relief. FaHCSIA's state and territory offices manage the individual contracts with Emergency Relief providers.
To apply for funding, contact the FaHCSIA office in your state/territory. Each state and territory office is responsible for allocating funds and will know if there is any funding available and how to apply.
New South Wales office and Australian Capital Territory office:
GPO Box 9820, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 02 8255 7799
Queensland office:
GPO Box 9820, Brisbane QLD 4001
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 07 3004 4767
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Western Australian office:
GPO Box 9820, Perth WA 6848
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 08 9229 1597
Tasmanian office:
GPO Box 9820, Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 03 6211 9304
Victorian office:
GPO Box 9820, Melbourne, VIC 3001
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 03 8626 1161
South Australian office:
GPO Box 9820, Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 08 8400 2197
Northern Territory office:
GPO Box 9820, Darwin NT 0801
Phone: 1300 653 227 (local call cost only)
Fax: 08 8936 6399
Contacts
FaHCSIA offices in each state and territory on 1300 653 227 (cost of a local call) can provide further information about Emergency Relief, including services in your area.