GOVERNMENT RED TAPE MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR FARMERS TO ACCESS MUCH NEEDED INCOME SUPPORT

THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
SPOKESPERSON FOR COUNTRY CAUCUS
MEMBER FOR HUNTER
 
THE HON LINDA BURNEY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR PREVENTING FAMILY VIOLENCE
ACTING SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR BARTON
 

GOVERNMENT RED TAPE MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR FARMERS TO ACCESS MUCH NEEDED INCOME SUPPORT

 The Government is making it so difficult for farmers to access income support that almost two thirds have given up.
 
Some 15,000 drought-stricken farmers are missing out on Federal Government assistance through the Farm household Allowance.
 
Reports say that the complexity of the application process is acting as a barrier to farmers trying to take up the benefit.
 
Australians should be able to access income support as and when they need it.
 
We welcome the Government’s review of the low take up of the Farm Household Allowance.
 
However, we know that this Government has a track record of making it more difficult for Australians to access income support.
 
We have heard stories of long wait times on the phone to Centrelink; people waiting months for their pensions or allowances; false or inflated debt notices.