FARMER ASSISTANCE

Federal interim farm household allowance now available

Article Date:06/03/14

Producers in financial need, whether they are drought-affected or not, have been urged to contact Centrelink on 13 23 16 regarding the Federal Government’s Interim Farm Household Allowance package.

Queensland Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the money is available now, supporting the State Government’s election promise to grow agriculture as one of the four pillars of the economy.

“The Federal Government has brought forward the new Interim Farm Household Allowance to assist our Queensland producers affected by the drought,” he said.

“The allowance will help with daily living expenses like putting food on the table and paying their electricity bills.

“Agriculture is a key pillar of the Queensland economy and the Federal Government also recognises agriculture is a significant sector with a great future.

“The Interim Farm Household Allowance will be paid at a fortnightly rate equivalent to the Newstart Allowance.

“The new scheme replaces the old Transitional Farm Family Payment with the net asset test raised to $2.55 million.

“I am in discussions with the Federal Government about the other drought assistant measures, such as the concessional loans, pest control and mental health support measures, to ensure this assistance available as soon as possible.”

Producers can contact Centrelink on 13 23 16 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) for more information and application forms or visit humanservices.gov.au

The Interim Farm Household Allowance will be available until the permanent Farm Household Allowance is implemented on 1 July 2014.

Existing Transitional Farm Family Payment recipients will be automatically transferred to Interim Farm Household Allowance with no break in payments.

Source: farmbusiness.com.au