Rudd Government needs to extend EC Drought Assistance: Sophie

06-February-2009

Federal Liberal Member for Indi Sophie Mirabella has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Tony Burke MP to extend the vital Exceptional Circumstances (EC) program as the most recent extension of the assistance package reaches its end in the north-east.

“The Exceptional Circumstances (EC) program, which is largely responsible for the allocation and distribution of drought assistance to farmers across the north-east, is due to expire on 31 March 2009 and there has been no word from the Rudd Government as to what their intentions may be, whether they will extend the program or let it expire,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“There are many farmers throughout the north-east who continue to battle through the drought. It is for this reason that I have written to the Agriculture Minister expressing my strong support for the continuation of the program into 2010 and Labor must recognise this.”

“Conditions are arguably worse now than when the program was first introduced. Now is not the time to be putting extra pressure on farmers by withdrawing such vital financial assistance – I implore the Rudd Government and the Minister to continue to fund this vital program,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The final decision as to whether the EC funding will be extended in north-east Victoria rests with Tony Burke as the Minister for Agriculture. I urge him to come and visit north-east Victoria for himself and meet local farmers who cannot put food on the table without EC assistance.”

“Just as I have lobbied both previous and current government ministers in the past to extend the EC program, I will be doing all in my power to ensure the EC drought assistance is renewed again in March,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Farmers deserve the support of the Rudd Government as they play a vital role in the north-east Victorian economy, not only as primary producers but also in the maintenance of increasingly fragile local communities.”

“I have written to the Minister to inform him of the climate on the ground here in the north-east and seek his support for extending EC arrangements beyond March.”

“As the economic situation deteriorates, farmers will only become worse off. The Labor Government must step in to support north-east primary producers at this difficult time,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.