The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) today questioned why the rush and why the lack of notice about the imminent ending of interest rate subsidies for farmers who had faced exceptional circumstances during the drought.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said a wide-ranging review of drought policies had been under way for some time, but it had been accepted that the interest rate subsidy should stay in place until an alternative program was developed.
“I see no evidence of that alternative,” she said.
However, Ms Davis said Tasmanian farmers would welcome today’s federal move to extend by two years household support for farmers through the Transitional Farm Family Payment scheme.
“The legacy of drought does not finish with the official declaration that that drought is at an end,” she said.
“Families are still faced with financial hardship for a long period because of what they have been through.”
Ms Davis said farmers would be looking for clear directions from governments at all levels that would assist those at the mercy of the Australian climate to manage the challenges and risks of drought.
“In Tasmania, we are thinking ahead. Farmers have embraced the potential of irrigation to drought-proof their farms and they have put their money where their mouth is,” she said.
“That’s the sort of forward thinking we need.”
Jan Davis TFGA
