National Party MPs have appealed to banks to be “patient” with their farm customers and to stand by them during the current drought.
Nationals leader Warren Truss was speaking after the first party room meeting for 2014, which was held in Bundaberg yesterday.
“Members and Senators discussed organisational arrangements and the agenda-setting priorities for the year ahead,” Mr Truss said.
“The reviews undertaken in the first few months of government have revealed the true extent of the nation’s financial difficulties and mounting debt. Getting the economy back under control will be our top priority and tough decisions will need to be made to bring the budget back into balance.
“But, clearly, the issue of greatest concern today was the policy response to the current drought in parts of Queensland and NSW. Our party room members reported on the drought circumstances in their own electorates.
“Some regions are seeing total crop failures, while the absence of feed and surface water is creating a crisis for livestock producers.
“The impact of the live cattle ban to Indonesia has exacerbated the difficulties confronted by beef producers, especially in the north.
“Cattle in poor condition are almost impossible to sell and many farmers and graziers face serious debt situations.
“Lack of income in the farm sector is being felt in country towns and regional businesses who report declining sales, growing debts and reduced profitability.”
Mr Truss appealed to the banks to be patient with their farm customers.
“The banks have done well from the farm sector in good times, so they must now stand by their rural customers when they need a helping hand,” he said.
“Many farmers will require assistance to get through this drought.
“Access to welfare payments to enable farmers to put food on the table for their families is essential. However, more will be needed.
“Our meeting canvassed a range of assistance options to help farmers get through these difficult times.
“Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has undertaken to further develop these options as part of a comprehensive drought assistance package.
“This is a natural disaster of major proportions and it will require governments to respond as they do for other natural disasters like floods, fires and cyclones.”
