SA drought assistance extended

An additional 3700 South Australian farmers can now apply to Centrelink for up to six months income support, following the Australian Government’s announcement of interim EC assistance.

Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said the declaration covered 5 farming regions across South Australia.

“The decision to extend interim EC assistance covers farmers in three large sections of the Eyre Peninsula, as well as the Upper South-East and Murray Mallee regions,” Mr McGauran said.

“The interim EC declaration has been extended to all farmers, irrespective of what they produce.

"A range of assistance measures are available, including financial, social and emotional counselling services,” he said.

Mr McGauran said the areas covered by the EC declaration had now been referred to the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) – an independent group of farmers and agribusiness professionals.

NRAC will now undertake a comprehensive on the ground assessment, and advise the Government as to whether a full EC declaration is warranted.

“Such a declaration would allow eligible farmers and small businesses to receive other assistance measures, including interest rate subsidies,”
Mr McGauran said.

“I urge farmers and small business operators not to self-assess, but to contact Centrelink or the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 to discuss their eligibility for assistance as soon as possible.

“The extension of interim EC assistance to additional producers in South Australia means the Government will be providing an additional $6.47 million in much-needed drought assistance,” Mr McGauran said.

Further media inquiries:

Minister McGauran's office: Ben Houston 02 6277 7520