Financial Hardship

The Shire recognises that, from time to time, hardship can make payment of rates difficult. This is a particular concern as we manage the impacts of COVID-19 on our community.

As such, we have introduced a Financial Hardship Policy, which outlines our ability to grant relief to those who need it. To apply, we have provided an application form, which can be completed online by clicking here. Alternatively, download the PDF by clicking here. For more information, please contact us on 08 9928 1102 or email finmanager@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

Please note: If you are applying for assistance for more than one property, you must complete a separate application form for each property, as the nature, type and ownership of each may differ.

Important Information

We are encouraging ratepayers, who can continue to make payments on their rates to do so, preferably by 30 June each year to avoid carrying over debts to the new financial year.

Ratepayers who are facing payment difficulties due to financial hardship can apply to enter a payment plan with the Shire. The payment plan will provide an extension on current payments, whilst suspending interest charges for rates, charges and administration fees (including ESL).

The suspension of penalty interest will apply only for the duration of the current ratepayer’s payment plan.

Financial Hardship will be assessed in accordance with the same eligibility criteria used to assess genuine financial hardship assistance in respect of rates and charges as per Council’s 1.3.10 Financial Hardship Policy and 1.3.9 Debt Collection Policy.

Processing Your Application

If you have any questions, please contact Rates on (08) 9928 1102 and provide your relevant assessment number. We will then advise if your application form has been received and if it has been assessed.

Emergency Assistance and Support

Information on immediate emergency assistance or support is available for those affected by COVID-19:

For local emergency relief, visit dss.gov.au.
To test eligibility for income support payments including JobSeeker, contact Services Australia, visit gov.au.
For financial counselling, including advice on managing debt, visit National Debt Helpline or visit MoneySmart for advice to help you manage your money.
Those on a low income may be eligible to apply for a ‘No Interest Loan’. For more information and details on how to apply, visit Good Shepherd Microfinance (link is external).

Support Services Contact Information

namephonewebsite
Government of Western Australia - Department of Health1800 020 080visit website
HealthyWA1800 022 222visit website
Lifeline Australia
(personal crisis support services)		13 11 14visit website
Australian Government Services Australia
(links to MyGov, Centrelink and Medicare)
1800 020 080visit website
Financial Counselling Services1800 007 007, 1800 612 004
or (08) 9964 7033
visit website
Ethnolink Language Services1300 727 441visit website

Coronavirus and Financial Hardship

The Australian Government is providing a range of measures to address the global health crisis related to coronavirus. For information on the economic response to coronavirus including details of the JobKeeper payment scheme and an overview of the Government’s targeted economic response packages, visit the Australian Government, The Treasury’s webpage.

The Department of Health are the lead agency on coronavirus (COVID-19) and people are advised to visit their website as a true and accurate source of information.

For general health information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the Department of Health’s webpage.