“The Australian Government is working closely with the Tasmanian Government to ensure assistance is readily available to affected communities," he said on a visit to Launceston.

“This support we’re announcing today is designed to provide immediate assistance to communities in the hardest hit local government areas."

The state government has already announced that families can access $750 grants for emergency needs including food, shelter and clothing.

The additional grants of up to $8875 will assist with structural damage and temporary living expenses.

The fund will also help some of the 18 council areas affected by flooding undertake disaster and clean-up operations and restore essential services.

Businesses and primary producers will be given access to concessional interest rate loans through the fund and grants can be provided to non-profit organisations.

For more information on accessing grants, contact Service Tasmania.

Later on Thursday morning, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten toured the State Emergency Service headquarters at Youngtown.

SES regional manager Mhairi Revie showed Mr Shorten how the flooding had occurred.

He thanked several SES volunteers for their work while at the base.

Ms Revie said the service had clocked up at least 2200 volunteer hours since flooding started on Sunday.

Both leaders will travel to the North-West on Thursday afternoon