Vic: Vic govt gives out flood grants without verification

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2003
Vic: Vic govt gives out flood grants without verification

The Victorian government has admitted to providing more than 1,000 people with $900
grants for flood damage without verifying their claims.

Community Services Minister SHERRYL GARBUTT says the grants were for people in strife
following violent storms in Melbourne from midnight on December 2.

Melbourne's worst thunderstorms in 100 years flooded homes, collapsed roofs and left
people trapped on their car roofs on flooded motorways.

Ms GARBUTT said the grants -- which closed on December 9 - were for emergency electrical
work, accommodation and food.

She's told ABC radio people had to sign a declaration that their claim was true and accurate.

And Ms GARBUTT says claimants will be subjected to random audits.

AAP RTV hmg/gfr/rt

KEYWORD: FLOODS (MELBOURNE)

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