the australian government drought support...combination of up to $2,000 in cash and up to $1,000 in...
TRANSCRIPT
Farm Household AllowanceThe Government is making changes to the Farm Household Allowance to help more farmers.
The allowance is a regular cash payment designed to help put food on the table and diesel in the ute in the face of plummeting farm incomes.
Key points for farmers• FHA program extended to four years in
every 10 instead of four years in a lifetime
• Relaxation of the off-farm income offset and increase of the cap to $100,000
• Lump Sum payments of $7500 for singles and $13,000 for farming families for FHA recipients who have exhausted their first four years of FHA payments, and are therefore coming off the FHA
• There will be less effort up front when a person applies. Couples will only have to tell their story once
• The FHA has paid out more than $365 million since it began in 2014
Please do not self-assess your eligibility for any program - seek advice from an expert responsible for receiving and assessing FHA applications through the Department of Human Services (DHS) on 13 23 16 or reach out to your local Rural Financial.
Drought Communities Support InitiativeThe Drought Community Support Initiative was announced by the Australian Government at the National Drought Summit on 26 October 2018 and extended at the end of September 2019.
The objectives of the Drought Community Support Initiative are to provide immediate assistance to farmers, farm workers and farm suppliers/contractors who are facing hardship arising from the impact of drought in eligible Local Government Areas.
The funds are available through:
• Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWA)
• Rotary Australia World Community Services
• St Vincent de Paul Society
• The Salvation Army
Key points for farmers• $3,000 per eligible household using a
combination of up to $2,000 in cash and up to $1,000 in vouchers.
DROUGHT SUPPORTTHE COALITION GOVERNMENT
Authorised and printed by Andrew Gee MP, National Party of Australia, 1/179A Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800.
Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided more than $1.8 billion in assistance measures to help farmers and communities in drought. Through the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, we’ve made a range of social and business support measures available to help build resilience, capacity and to encourage better farmer preparedness to manage known risks.
This includes the Farm Business Concessional Loans Scheme and the establishment of the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), the Farm Household Allowance, the Managing Farm Risk Program, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and support to manage the effects of pest animals and weeds in drought-affected areas. This is in addition to changes to the Farm Management Deposit (FMD) Scheme and the Coalition Government’s tax measures for our primary producers.
• We announced an extra time-limitedpayment to Farm Household Allowance(FHA) recipients – $12,000 for a coupleand single households will receive up to$7,200 – to be provided over two lumpsum payments from 1 September.• This brings the total payment for a
couple to around $37,000 and for asingle to around $22,000.
• FHA provides recipients the opportunity totake steps to improve their circumstancesand self-reliance through a Farm FinancialAssessment, Financial ImprovementAgreement and additional activitysupplements of up to $4,000.
• The programme is uncapped and demand-driven, so those who are eligible will notmiss out.
• The net farm asset limit is currently$2.6 million. From 1 November the netfarm asset limit will increase to$5 million. This will extend the paymentto more farmers in need who may havesubstantial assets but have no income tomeet daily expenses. Please note the netasset limit is the total of your assets, lessany debt.
• Please do not self-assess youreligibility - seek advice from an expertresponsible for receiving and assessingFHA applications through the Departmentof Human Services (DHS) on 13 23 16or reach out to your local Rural Financial
The Regional Investment Corporation• From July 1, 2018, up to $2 billion is
available for the delivery of farm businessconcessional loans and $2 billion availablefor national water infrastructure loansto build stronger regional and ruralcommunities.
• First-time delivery of nationally consistentconcessional loans to farmers.
• The RIC currently offers Farm InvestmentLoans and Drought Loans to farmers.
• Loans of up to $2 million are availableacross a 10 year loan term, with interestonly repayments for the first five years. Thecurrent variable interest rate for the RIC’sconcessional loans is 3.58%.
• For further information, please visitwww.ric.gov.au
Farm Household Allowance • The Farm Household Allowance (FHA)
has been extended by the CoalitionGovernment and now provides up to fourcumulative years of support for eligiblefarmers and their partners experiencingfinancial hardship (for any reason, not onlydrought).
• The allowance is designed to helprecipients meet basic household needswhile they take time to assess their future.
DROUGHT SUPPORTThe Australian Government
SOME OF THE MEASURES TO HELP OUR LOCAL FARMERS • Help with immediate assistance for farmers, farm workers and farm suppliers/contractors who are facing hardship arising from the impact of drought
• $63.4 million total investment in the program
Drought Communities ProgramSince 2018-19, the Government has
committed $123 million over two years to 123 councils under this
program.
Funding is available to eligible councils for local infrastructure projects and other drought-relief activities. Project funding is intended to provide
short-term support, including by boosting local employment
and procurement, and addressing social and community needs.
Key points for the community:• $1 million invested in Cabonne, Blayney,
Bathurst, Oberon, Lithgow, Dubbo and Mid-Western Councils in the Calare electorate
• Support for local infrastructure and other projects for communities and businesses that have been impacted by drought.
• $7 million investment in the Calare electorate
FarmHub connects Australian farmers with
services and support during tough times, such as drought.
For a complete list of programs available to assist
with drought relief – visit farmhub.org.au
So far the Australian Government has committed more than $7.3 billion in measures to help farmers and communities get through this devastating drought. It’s the biggest drought relief effort in Australia’s history.
It will need to be continually ramped up as conditions worsen.
Under Australia’s National Drought Agreement, the states look after animal welfare/livestock while the Federal Government looks after farmer welfare.
Andrew Gee MPFederal Member for Calare
Future Drought FundThe Fund begins with an initial credit of $3.9 billion with earnings to be reinvested until the balance reaches $5 billion (expected in 2028-29).
The Fund will provide a secure and continuous revenue stream to support initiatives that enhance the drought resilience of Australian farms and communities by becoming more prepared to respond to the impacts of drought.
Key points for farmers• $100 million will be made available
annually to support Australian farmers and communities get through this drought become more prepare for future ones
• Long term funding to future drought relief
• A secure resource going into the future
Rural Financial CounsellorsThe Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provides free financial counselling to farmers and related small businesses who are suffering financial hardship.
$5 million in Rural Financial Counsellors who help farmers find and apply for available assistance at federal, state and local government level.
Key points for farmers• Access to over 130 rural financial
counsellors across the country
• Access to someone who can visit on-farm and assist with financial matters
• Confidential, no-cost service for farming families
• Call for an appointment
Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate SchemeThe On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate scheme is a Federal Government program available to eligible primary producers who can claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of water infrastructure such as: bores; installation of pipes; water storages and water pumps; de-silting dams; and associated power supplies such as generators.
Key points for farmers• Up to $25,000 to cover costs of
upgrading on-farm infrastructure
• An additional $13.2 million added to scheme in October, 2019
• $50 million already invested in infrastructure projects
• Recently extended to horticulture and viticulture
Tax ConcessionsThe Government is providing a range of tax concessions to assist drought affected farmers to better manage their financial situation.
Key points for farmers• Concessional interest-rate loans through the
Regional Investment Corporation – saving farmers up to $60,000 a year in interest
• Changes to the Farm Management Deposit Scheme allowing early access to funds without tax penalty
• Instant asset write off for small business up $30,000
• Income tax averaging of high and low years
• $75 million in taxation measures and tax offsets
Any drought-affected taxpayers who need support with tax debts can ring the ATO on 131 142 to talk about options to help manage their tax obligations. For more information, visit ato.gov.au/drought.
New dams for NSWIt will rain and the Australian Government has committed $1 billion to improve existing dams and build a new dam in regional NSW.
The Federal and State Governments are working together to get shovels in the ground and capture the water when the rain starts falling.
Key points for farmers• $650 million upgrade of Wyangala Dam
in the state’s Central West
• A new $480 million Dungowan Dam near Tamworth
• New agency, National Water Grid to identify and prioritise further national water infrastructure projects and get them built
Regional Climate GuidesThe Australian Government is committed to helping our farmers better plan through regional climate guides.
Key points for farmers• A tool to provide a baseline of information
which will assist in making important decisions including crop planting, stocking levels and managing water storages
• 60 national guides including Central Tablelands and Central West LLS regions
Lifeline• Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing
a personal crisis with 24/7 support and suicide prevention services. Debt counselling is also available.
NSW Government Assistance• The NSW Government has in place a number
of drought assistance measures including drought transport subsidies, animal welfare transport subsidies and fee waivers. Call the Rural Assistance Authority for further details.
DROUGHT SUPPORTTHE COALITION GOVERNMENT
Authorised and printed by Andrew Gee MP, National Party of Australia, 1/179A Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800.
Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided more than $1.8 billion in assistance measures to help farmers and communities in drought. Through the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, we’ve made a range of social and business support measures available to help build resilience, capacity and to encourage better farmer preparedness to manage known risks.
This includes the Farm Business Concessional Loans Scheme and the establishment of the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), the Farm Household Allowance, the Managing Farm Risk Program, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and support to manage the effects of pest animals and weeds in drought-affected areas. This is in addition to changes to the Farm Management Deposit (FMD) Scheme and the Coalition Government’s tax measures for our primary producers.
• We announced an extra time-limitedpayment to Farm Household Allowance(FHA) recipients – $12,000 for a coupleand single households will receive up to$7,200 – to be provided over two lumpsum payments from 1 September.• This brings the total payment for a
couple to around $37,000 and for asingle to around $22,000.
• FHA provides recipients the opportunity totake steps to improve their circumstancesand self-reliance through a Farm FinancialAssessment, Financial ImprovementAgreement and additional activitysupplements of up to $4,000.
• The programme is uncapped and demand-driven, so those who are eligible will notmiss out.
• The net farm asset limit is currently$2.6 million. From 1 November the netfarm asset limit will increase to$5 million. This will extend the paymentto more farmers in need who may havesubstantial assets but have no income tomeet daily expenses. Please note the netasset limit is the total of your assets, lessany debt.
• Please do not self-assess youreligibility - seek advice from an expertresponsible for receiving and assessingFHA applications through the Departmentof Human Services (DHS) on 13 23 16or reach out to your local Rural Financial
The Regional Investment Corporation• From July 1, 2018, up to $2 billion is
available for the delivery of farm businessconcessional loans and $2 billion availablefor national water infrastructure loansto build stronger regional and ruralcommunities.
• First-time delivery of nationally consistentconcessional loans to farmers.
• The RIC currently offers Farm InvestmentLoans and Drought Loans to farmers.
• Loans of up to $2 million are availableacross a 10 year loan term, with interestonly repayments for the first five years. Thecurrent variable interest rate for the RIC’sconcessional loans is 3.58%.
• For further information, please visitwww.ric.gov.au
Farm Household Allowance • The Farm Household Allowance (FHA)
has been extended by the CoalitionGovernment and now provides up to fourcumulative years of support for eligiblefarmers and their partners experiencingfinancial hardship (for any reason, not onlydrought).
• The allowance is designed to helprecipients meet basic household needswhile they take time to assess their future.
Who can you contact?Rural Assistance Authority – 1800 678 593 or raa.nsw.gov.au
Australia Tax Office – 131 142 or ato.gov.au/drought
Rural Financial Counsellor Program – 1800 686 175
Farm Household Allowance Assessment help – 13 23 16
Local Land Services – 1300 795 299
Regional Investment Corporation – 1800 875 675
St Vincent de Paul – (02) 9568 0262
Salvation Army – 13 72 58
Country Womens Association – [email protected]
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Andrew Gee’s Office (Orange) – 6361 7138