A one-off payment for people severely affected by floods in New South Wales, of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children, will be made available from tomorrow.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had "made a decision already that the disaster recovery payment will be available", as he readied to tour flood-affected regions later today.
Employees and sole traders who have lost income as a consequence of flooding will also be able to claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance for up to 13 weeks.
The payment will be offered to people in 23 local government areas that have been declared disaster zones in recent days, as heavy rains have inundated the NSW coast.
Mr Albanese also said a third Defence helicopter will be sent to assist with recovery efforts.
"It's heartbreaking to think that for many people this is the third or fourth time in 18 months that their lives have been disrupted by a natural disaster of this magnitude," Mr Albanese said.
"I want everyone in a flood affected region to know that the Commonwealth stands ready and committed to provide support now and through the recovery."
Rain is easing in Sydney but dozens of flood evacuation orders and warnings remain in place, affecting thousands of residents.
Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt yesterday activated financial supports to cover immediate housing, food and clothing for individuals and clean-up and recovery grants for businesses and primary producers.
Earlier this morning, acting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the government should not have waited for Mr Albanese to touch down from his visit to Ukraine to begin rolling out one-off payments.
"People on the ground need to get that support. They need the payments and allowances that the government is able to deliver with the stroke of a pen," Ms Ley said.
"They don't need to wait for Mr Albanese to get back and have a look at the regions himself. they need those payments being made today."
Federal Labor was heavily critical of the former government in March over delays to flood assistance payments being activated in the wake of heavy flooding in Queensland and northern NSW.
State Premier Dominic Perrottet jumped to the Prime Minister's defence, hitting back against criticism by federal MPs in his party who said Mr Albanese's international travel was neglecting domestic issues.
"I know in some quarters, the Prime Minister has been criticised for being away. What I would say is, from my perspective, the federal government needs to balance international concerns and domestic concerns," Mr Perrottet said.
The NSW Premier said he had been pleased with the quick response from the Commonwealth
"I know the engagement between ... the state and federal emergency service ministers has been strong from the outset."
