March 3, 2014
Primary producers in financial need, whether they are drought-affected or not, have been urged to contact Centrelink on 13-23-16 regarding the Federal Government’s Interim Farm Household Allowance package.
Queensland Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said the money was available from today.
“The Federal Government has brought forward the new Interim Farm Household Allowance to assist our Queensland producers affected by the drought,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The allowance will help with daily living expenses like putting food on the table and paying the electricity bills.
“The Interim Farm Household Allowance will be paid at a fortnightly rate equivalent to the Newstart Allowance.
“The new scheme replaces the old Transitional Farm Family Payment with the net asset test raised to $2.55 million.
“I am in discussions with the Federal Government about other drought assistance measures, such as concessional loans, pest control and mental health support measures, to ensure this assistance is available as soon as possible.”
Producers can contact Centrelink on 13-23-16 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm) for more information and application forms or visit the Human Services website
The Interim Farm Household Allowance will be available until the permanent Farm Household Allowance is implemented on July 1.
Existing Transitional Farm Family Payment recipients will be automatically transferred to Interim Farm Household Allowance with no break in payments.
