Farm Household Allowance extension passes Parliament

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has welcomed the passage of the Farm Household Allowance extension through Parliament.

 

The legislation passed the Senate this afternoon and means farmers in drought will soon be able to access a fourth year of the allowance.

 

The change follows the drought tour with the Prime Minister a few weeks ago.

 

“I hope there are farmers out there who can sleep a bit better tonight knowing this change will soon be reality,” Minister Littleproud said.

 

“Farm Household Allowance already allowed farmers three years of payments to adjust and plan with the help of a Rural Financial Counsellor – it’s appropriate that be extended to four years.

 

“Parts of my electorate of Maranoa have been in drought seven years. The Government can’t make it rain but we can give farmers the chance to plan and adjust, and put food on the table and diesel in the car.

 

“Farmers suggested an extra year of FHA would help them, and we listened.

 

“I stress again: farmers should not self-assess whether they’re eligible for FHA – they should go see a rural financial counsellor. And for those applying, if you need help, your counsellor can help with that as well.”

 

Minister Littleproud will hold a roundtable on drought policy, resilience and preparedness in coming weeks.