NFF acknowledges Government's ongoing response to drought

National Farmers’ Federation President, Fiona Simson has acknowledged the priority focus the Federal Government continues to give to assisting farmers to manage drought. “We certainly appreciate Prime Minister Morrison’s commitment to continuing to listen to and engage with, drought-affected farmers and communities,” Ms Simson said. “The more than $7 billion in assistance the Government has provided to date, across various support measures, is an unprecedented investment.” The Government today announced it would provide lump sum payments of $13,000 for couples and $7,500 for singles, to farmers who have reached the four-year cap on Farm Household Allowance payments. Ms Simson said the Farm Household Allowance program was a valuable part of a suite of assistance available right now to help farmers. As summer draws closer and the drought shows no signs of breaking, Ms Simson said the NFF continued to consult with the Government as to what could be done to ease the challenges of this drought. “It really is a day-by-day proposition and there is no doubt, that if and when conditions worsen, farmers will require increased and different types of help.” Yesterday, the NFF provided the Government its National Drought Policy, designed to change the way Australia manages drought into the future. “We were pleased for the opportunity to meet with Minister for Drought, David Littleproud in Canberra today, to discuss the policy. “We value the Government’s willingness to consider our vision for a more strategic approach to drought.” For a comprehensive list of drought support available, farmers are urged to visit www.farmhub.org.au