Employment Services
People in drought affected areas who have been laid off, face redundancy or are looking for work may receive special employment assistance in the form of
- streamlined assessment of claims for Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance
- flexible participation requirements, including reduced job search requirements (depending on the amount of work available in the local area)
- immediate access to Job Matching services
- reduced eligibility requirements for Job Search Support
- early access to Job Search Training (if the person is eligible for Newstart or Youth Allowance)
- access to Drought Force - an extension of the Work for the Dole program aimed specifically at providing assistance in communities severely hit by the drought.
Eligibility Requirements
The normal eligibility requirements for each of the above measures vary but have been relaxed for people living or working in Exceptional Circumstances or prima facie declared areas.
For more information and to apply
For more information and to apply contact your local Centrelink office, the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 or visit Drought Assistance on Centrelink’s website.
For more information on Job Search Support and Training visit the workplace website.
Last reviewed: 15 Feb 2008
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