Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s drought support package, announced today by the Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture.
ADF President, Noel Campbell, said the package, although not delivering all that ADF and the National Farmers Federation (NFF) had called for, was a welcome response to the plight of drought affected dairy farmers in Queensland and New South Wales.
“ADF welcomes the announcement of the Federal Government’s $320 million drought support package,” Mr Campbell said.
“For many dairy farmers in Queensland and News South Wales, the drought has only added to their difficulties by forcing up the price of fodder as demand outstripped supply.
“That’s why we needed a timely and considered response from the Federal Government, and it’s fair to say they have listened and acted upon a number of key priorities raised with them by the NFF, ADF and others.”
Under the package, the Government will bring forward more generous income support arrangements for farmers and their families; extend concessional loans to eligible drought affected farm businesses; provide funds for water infrastructure and pest eradication; as well as funds for counselling support services for farmers.
Mr Campbell said ADF was particularly pleased that the Interim Farm Household Allowance (Interim FHA) will be subject to a different asset test, so that more farmers including those affected by drought, will be able to access income support when they need it.
“Raising the asset test threshold for farmers was a policy priority for ADF and its pleasing to see the Federal Government has heeded ADF’s call for improved eligibility to this vital support payment,” he said.
Mr Campbell thanked the Federal Government, and the Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture in particular, for their support of drought affected farmers.
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