TREASURER Joe Hockey and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce travelled to Queensland and Northern NSW yesterday to listen to farming communities about the impact of drought.
The visit included stops at Walgett, NSW, and Charleville, Queensland, to hear from farmers about the impacts of drought on families and businesses.
Mr Joyce and Hockey said in a joint press release: “We are delivering a significant support package for both drought affected farmers and those facing financial hardship, we are also committed to ensuring that all of our measures reach those in need”.
“Today isn’t about us telling people what we are doing, however.
“It's important to get out to the bush and visit farms to meet directly with some of our dedicated and hardworking farmers.
“It's about listening to farming families and their communities about how we can adjust current programmes or consider other measures to assist those facing a record 1 in 100 year drought event,” they said.
“The farmers we met today in these communities are facing a drought challenge on a scale we haven't witnessed before.
“Our message today to drought affected communities is that we are listening and we're committed to working with them to ensure they have a sustainable future.
“We remind farmers that there is still a range of support measures available now for farmers in need who are doing it tough.”
For more information go to the Australian Government assistance portal or call the Farmer Assistance Hotline 132 316 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm local time).
