Mirabella demands Rudd support farmers

Federal Liberal Member for Indi Sophie Mirabella has written to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd following a recent announcement that the Government has plans to re-evaluate the effectiveness of drought support to farmers and rural businesses towards the end of 2008.

The Exceptional Circumstances (EC) program, which is largely responsible for the allocation and distribution of drought assistance to farmers across the north-east, is due to expire in September and Prime Minister Rudd has indicated an examination will take place to reassess its effectiveness.

“There are many farmers throughout the north-east who continue to battle through the drought. To even contemplate taking this assistance away – under the guise of a review of the effectiveness of EC assistance – would be highly detrimental,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“It is an absolute disgrace that the Rudd Government is even considering downgrading support for farmers who have been so devastatingly affected by drought.”

“I have written to Prime Minister Rudd demanding answers as to what reasoning or rationale he has for questioning a service which has undoubtedly helped farmers through the worst of times,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“I urge Kevin Rudd to come and visit country Victoria for himself and meet local farmers who cannot put food on the table without EC assistance.”

“Just as I have lobbied previous government ministers in the past to extend the EC program, I will be doing all in my power to ensure drought assistance is renewed in September,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Farmers play a vital role in maintaining Australia’s ability to produce our own food and my fear is that without vital drought assistance for farmers to get them through the tough times, this may no longer be possible.”

“I, like many Australians, want to purchase Australian-made food, not imported fruit and vegies from China. We need to stick by our farmers and give them a helping hand through the tough times, so they are in a position to stand on their own feet when the drought breaks,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.