Victorian bushfires

The devastating bushfires in Victoria have had a huge impact for many families, in the most tragic cases through loss of life, or through loss of their home, belongings and/or income.

Parents affected by the bushfires should see the Victorian Department of Human Services Statewide Bushfires website, the Centrelink website or call Centrelink on 180 2211 to find out about available services and support, such as disaster recovery payments.

To assist where we can, the Child Support Agency has set up a special response team to help customers affected by the bushfires. You will receive tailored services and support appropriate to your current circumstances. Members of the response team will be available from 8.30am to 4.45pm (AEST). We encourage affected customers to call us as soon as possible on 131 272.

Child Support Agency services, including the issuing of letters, have generally returned to normal for customers affected by the bushfires.

We are also able to visit Community Service Hubs to discuss child support matters face-to-face with affected customers. To discuss the option of a face-to face service please call us on 131 272 and ask for a referral to the Bushfire Response team. You can also check the visiting schedule for the latest details of any face-to-face services planned.

Re-establishing identity after Victorian bushfires

The Australian Government is helping affected individuals re-establish their identity through the following measures:

re-issuing of key proof of identity documents
linking people with a variety of Commonwealth and Victorian agencies to ensure their contact details or circumstances are updated,
streamlining arrangements to replace passports that were damaged or destroyed as a result of the bushfires, free of charge until 10 February 2010,
issuing travel documents to any affected overseas born Australian citizens without the need for an overseas birth certificate, and
assisting Australians or foreign nationals who wish to re-acquire copies of documents issued by foreign countries.

These measures will also ensure that payments are delivered more efficiently to people who need them in this difficult time.

Anyone seeking more information or assistance in obtaining these documents or who requires additional support at this time is encouraged to: contact Centrelink and Medicare Australia staff in Emergency Recovery Centres; and Centrelink and Medicare offices across Victoria
More information on re-establishing identity is available from the www.disasterassist.gov.au website.