A concessional interest rate loan must be made directly from the state to the eligible applicant. Concessional interest rate loan to small businesses or primary producers whose assets have been significantly damaged as a direct result of an eligible disaster For an applicant to be eligible, the state must be satisfied that: the applicant’s assets (including fodder) have been significantly damaged as a direct result of an eligible disaster; and the applicant’s small business or primary producer operation was viable prior to the eligible disaster and the assistance will ensure it continues to be viable. The state should implement appropriate assessment methods to establish past and future long-term viability; and the applicant is continuing or is to re-establish the business or primary producer operation within the same location, or within the same local government area. The principal loan amount is to be established by the state. Concessional interest rate loan to needy individuals or nonprofit organisations whose assets have been significantly damaged as a direct result of an eligible disaster For an applicant to be eligible, the state must be satisfied that: the applicant’s assets have been significantly damaged as a direct result of an eligible disaster; and the applicant has no alternative funding source to rectify the damage and has used any available insurance prior to seeking assistance. This could be any available insurance or funding received from government disaster programs which are not linked to the eligible measures or a loan from a financial institution. The state should implement appropriate assessment methods to determine if the applicant has sought alternative funding. The principal loan amount is up to $100 000 to any one eligible applicant. In addition to the loan, an applicant can also receive a grant (see subclauses 5.3.42–5.3.43). Concessional interest rate loans to a small business, primary producer or a non-profit organisation that has suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of an eligible disaster For an applicant to be eligible, the state must be satisfied that: the applicant has suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of an eligible disaster; and the applicant’s small business, primary producer or non-profit organisation operation was viable prior to the eligible disaster and the assistance will ensure it continues to be viable. The state should implement appropriate assessment methods to establish past and future long-term viability; and the applicant is continuing or is to re-establish the small business, primary producer or non-profit organisation operation within the same location, or within the same local government area.
1 A – TO This schedule outlines the principles of Category A assistance, the types of activities which can be undertaken as part of an eligible measure, as well as the delivery methods which may be used to provide assistance and includes the eligible costs associated with the delivery of Category A measures. Disasters can significant personal hardship and distress for those affected, including through dislocation, loss of personal belongings and damage to homes. While individuals are responsible for their own safety and making decisions about appropriate natural disaster mitigation strategies (such as insurance), government assistance may be required to support the immediate emergency needs of affected individuals. Such assistance, aimed at alleviating personal hardship and distress, may be provided in the form of a Category A measure under this determination. 11.1 A Category A measures are intended to alleviate personal hardship and distress which is a direct result of an eligible disaster. Category A measures are intended to help address the immediate emergency needs of disaster affected individuals. Category A measures are intended to be in the nature of an emergency helping hand—assistance should be targeted to individuals who have a genuine need, rather than those who can support/fund their own relief and recovery. As such, states may wish to apply appropriate eligibility criteria (including means and/or asset testing) to certain Category A measures. Category A measures can be automatically made available by the without requiring prior approval from the Commonwealth. States determine which Category A measures to make available following an eligible disaster. States determine the amount/level of Category A assistance which should be provided. States are encouraged to provide the same type and of assistance to individuals who are affected by the same or similar eligible disasters. States are responsible for administering Category A measures, including setting the applicable claiming periods, assessing applications and providing assistance to eligible individuals. Funding for Category A is available in relation to the assistance measures (and associated costs) specified in this schedule. Noting that this schedule is not exhaustive. Category A measures are generally only available for 12 months following an eligible disaster. However, they may be available for a longer period depending on the nature and severity of the eligible disaster.