Federal and Victorian authorities are adding further assistance for households and primary producers affected by the January bushfires in Victoria, expanding on earlier disaster recovery measures. During a visit to Natimuk, one of the communities hardest hit, Premier Jacinta Allan said uninsured homeowners who lost their principal residence will be able to access payments of up to $52,250. The new support sits on top of the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and initial Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments. “These fires have caused unimaginable loss for so many across Victoria – that’s why we are delivering more financial and mental health support to help ease some of the burden facing our farmers and regional communities,” Allan said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese government is coordinating with Victoria on the recovery phase. “We are working very closely with the Allan government to make sure Victorians affected by these fires can get back on their feet. We want Victorians to know the Albanese government stands behind you both during the response to these fires and during the recovery,” McBain said.
With many of the losses in agricultural regions, the Victorian government is increasing mental health and business support for farmers, including those who have lost crops and livestock. The Rural Financial Counselling Service will offer free, confidential wellbeing support alongside financial and business counselling. Counsellors who were engaged during previous drought conditions will now visit affected properties or speak with farming families by phone. The “Look Over the Farm Gate” program, run by the National Centre for Farmer Health, is being brought forward to start on Jan. 16. It will provide grants of up to $5,000 for local events and activities to support mental health and community recovery in farming areas.
Livestock welfare remains a concern for producers who cannot yet safely return to their properties. Landholders can lodge requests with Agriculture Victoria, which will work with the Fire Incident Controller to assess when and how they can access their land to check animals. Acting Victorian Minister for Agriculture Steve Dimopoulos said the approach is intended to manage both safety and welfare. “We are working with Agriculture Victoria and the Fire Incident Controller to make it easier for farmers to check on the welfare of their animals because we know how distressing this time is,” Dimopoulos said.
To organise donations from the public, the Victorian government is launching the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Victorian Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward said the appeal will allocate funds to priorities identified by local communities, working with community organisations and charities. “In recent days, many Victorians have asked how they can donate to fire-affected communities, that’s why we are launching the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal to get these generous funds directly to where they are needed most,” Ward said. The state has said all donations will be distributed to fire-affected communities, with administration costs covered by government.
At the same time, insurers are reporting higher claims volumes. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) said insurers have received 1,386 claims since Jan. 7, across home, commercial, motor, and business interruption policies. Initial indications suggest around 30% of current property claims are total losses. Insurers have started processing claims and are sending staff into affected areas as access is restored. ICA staff and several insurers are working from the Castlemaine Recovery Centre to help policyholders with claims lodgement and queries, with additional outreach to follow in other communities when conditions allow.
General insurers are implementing catastrophe procedures as bushfire and severe weather conditions continue. IAG has set up a mobile claims centre in Seymour to support customers of its brands, including NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, Rollin’, RACQ Insurance, and RACV. The site is handling in-person claims, arranging temporary accommodation, and coordinating emergency financial assistance, including for customers affected by power outages. IAG’s Major Event Response Teams have begun visiting properties in impacted communities for assessments and emergency repairs.
Suncorp has enacted its extreme weather response for the Victorian bushfires and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. CEO Steve Johnston said mobile disaster hubs, customer support teams, assessors, and builders are prepared to enter impacted communities when emergency authorities give clearance. As of 6pm AEST on Jan. 11, Suncorp had received around 80 home and motor claims relating to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and about 60 home and motor claims linked to the Victorian bushfires. From its Disaster Management Centre in Brisbane, the insurer is using satellite imagery to gauge damage where ground access is still restricted and has noted higher bushfire risk across southern Australia, particularly in Victoria.
Health funds are also adjusting arrangements for customers in affected regions. HCF has announced a disaster relief package for members impacted by the Victorian bushfires and other recent extreme weather events. The package includes premium waivers for up to three months for eligible members, the option to suspend cover for up to two years (with claims not payable during the suspension), and access to the HealthyMinds Check-in program, which provides confidential sessions with registered psychologists, including services for teenagers. HCF is offering eligible members in rural and remote areas free 15-minute online GP consultations through its partnership with GP2U, with appointments available seven days a week. For insurers and intermediaries, the ongoing bushfire season is highlighting catastrophe response capability, surge claims handling, and coordination with government programs and health and rural support services as recovery and rebuilding extend over coming months.
