October 1, 2008
Community pressure has forced the Rudd Labor Government into a back flip,today announcing that it will continue to provide Exceptional Circumstances drought assistance to the Wellington and East Gippsland shires.
The Government has accepted the advice of the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) to extend drought assistance to farmers in the Wellington and East Gippsland Shires until April 30 next year.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has been championing the campaign to extend drought assistance, having raised the issue in Federal Parliament on several occasions and written 40 letters directly to the Minister for Agriculture. The State Nationals also raised the matter in State Parliament.
“I am delighted that commonsense has prevailed and the Government has listened to the stories of local farmers who are clearly still facing difficult drought conditions,” Mr Chester said.
“All credit for this announcement goes to the local farming community, which banded together and provided me and other agencies with the necessary data to convince the Government of the need for extended drought assistance.
“During a difficult and stressful time, I?ve been highly impressed by the support and cooperation of local farmers and I am delighted that they have been rewarded with a fair outcome.
“It is disappointing that the original decision was made without an onsite inspection and that we had to work so hard to force NRAC into reviewing its decision.
“This has been an added burden for many farmers who really needed to dedicate their efforts to feeding stock and supporting their farm through the drought.
“However, we now have the result many were dependent on, and I would hope the Government will work with farmers to see the extra funding delivered as a matter of urgency.”