Wednesday, 4 August 2021

Ministers statements: extreme hardship support program

Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers) (14:26): I rise to update the house on the government’s support for the most vulnerable in our community as we continue to fight against COVID. I can report that more than 46 000 temporary migrants doing it tough have been provided financial support through our extreme hardship support program. It is money that helps put food on the table and keep the lights on. The extreme hardship program was launched last year in partnership with the Red Cross. It supports temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants who have lost work or have no income due to the pandemic and have no community support networks. These Victorians—and they are Victorians, because they are living here and calling our state their home—are not eligible for federal government payments, but the Andrews government knows that the virus does not discriminate. We can only overcome outbreaks by working together and caring for each other and every Victorian.

In recognition of this we extended the extreme hardship support payment this year because we know the pandemic is not over and the challenge remains. Since we started this support in July last year more than $38 million through 37 540 payments has gone to help these groups get by and, most importantly, to help them stay at home when required. In addition, the program has also provided more than 52 000 people with referrals to other state supports, whether that be health care or even just the opportunity to meet new people through the local neighbourhood house. The program is accessed through the Red Cross website or 1800 855 240, and translation services and interpreters are available. It comes on top of many other supports to our vulnerable communities, including the work to ensure that no-one goes hungry. Through our food relief task force we can now quickly identify where and when extra help is needed. We saw during the recent outbreak in Mildura we were able to step in and give further funding to the local FoodShare. At the end of the day, we only get through this pandemic by working together and by lending a hand to those who most need our help.