Financial assistance for farmers travelling to NZ

Financial assistance for farmers travelling to NZ

The Government has acted to make sure drought-affected farmers taking up the offer of a sponsored holiday to New Zealand will not be out-of-pocket due to the suspension of their Exceptional Circumstances (EC) payments.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said today the offer from New Zealand farmers of free accommodation – and free flights from Jetstar – was very generous and the Government was keen to play its part.

Under existing legislation, EC payments are suspended if a person travels overseas – with limited exceptions on humanitarian grounds.

Mr McGauran said the offer amounted to ‘sponsored travel’ and the 35 families who had indicated they would take it up were not trying to exploit the system.

“We don’t want rigid rules enshrined in legislation to stand in the way of farmers enjoying a break from the stress of dealing with this awful drought,” he said.

“Amending the legislation would take too long and isn’t necessary. I encourage any family who is affected to contact my office and we will arrange to make up their loss.”

Mr McGauran said the decision to make the payments followed strong representations from the National Farmers’ Federation.

ENDS

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