Federal drought assistance insufficient, Minister Fitzgibbon says

1426
Image credit: flickr user thoughtfactory

The Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Joel Fitzgibbon has criticised the Federal Government for not providing adequate drought assistance measures to support drought-hit farmers.

Federal drought assistance insufficient
Image credit: flickr user thoughtfactory

According to the ABC, Mr Fitzgibbon said the Government was hiding behind the “Budget crisis” excuse to mask its failure to act and help struggling farmers.

He said there had always been income support for farming families affected by drought and the concessional loans scheme was not working effectively.

“Well, for me it’s about bipartisanship and I’ve extended a hand to Barnaby Joyce and to the Prime Minister. I’ve indicated that the Labor Party stands ready to support any initiative to support any initiatives it might take to address what is a very severe drought,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Adertisement

“You can’t just keep saying we’d love to do these things if only we had the money. The Commonwealth is still raising well over $400 billion every year, it’s about making your commitment to priorities and agriculture should be an absolute priority. We stand ready to talk to the Government about what more can be done, but they, of course, keep framing this Budget emergency as an excuse to do very little.”

Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce previously told the ABC he would be seeking more money for additional drought support but said it would potentially come at the expense of other agricultural programs.

Mr Fitzgibbon recommended a curious solution to the problem affecting drought-ravaged famers.

When asked where additional money for drought support could be sourced from, his answer was simple.

“Gee, paid parental leave would be a good start, wouldn’t it?”