The Federal Government today announced it would extend the length of time farmers could receive the Centrelink support payment from three years, to four.
The extension, made in response to the ongoing drought in much of Queensland and NSW, would cost the federal budget about $35 million.
More than 7900 farmers have received the FHA — a weekly $480 payment to eligible farmers during tough times — since it was introduced. About 2300 of those have exhausted their three-year maximum on the payment.
Despite the six-year drought in Queensland, data shows Victorian dairy farmers made up the majority of FHA recipients, following the 2016 dairy crisis.
By: NATALIE KOTSIOS
Source: The Weekly Times
Link: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/drought-support-farm-household-allowance-extended/news-story/628f7681cff5a658e1c94afe436bacaa
