Drought affected can access financial assistance
13 December 2006
The Federal Government’s provision of interim assistance
to farmers, agriculturally dependent businesses and their families through
the current drought has been welcomed by the Shadow Small Business
Minister Liz Penfold.
Mrs Penfold said the interim assistance available from
Centrelink applied to all of Eyre Peninsula, the Murray Mallee and the
Upper South East while the regions’ applications for Exceptional
Circumstances were being assessed.
“I also remind farmers, including those in companies or
trusts, that stamp duty relief is available to refinance, increase or take
out a new mortgage between October 25 2006 and December 31 2007 for
working capital and normal operating costs as a consequence of drought,”
she said.
More information is available on www.revenuesa.sa.gov
Mrs Penfold said the Federal
Government’s action complemented that of the Australian Bankers
Association in helping clients prepare for and deal with drought
conditions.
“The association recommends that farmer customers who may
be concerned about their financial position speak to their banks about
their options,” she said.
She said the Australian Bankers Association and the Grain
Growers Association donated copies of the book, Financing Your Farm,
to rural financial counsellors because of its useful information for
counsellors and clients.
Mrs Penfold said she has been advised that two important
chapters of the book are provided free on the websites of the ABA (www.bankers.asn.au)
and GGA (www.graingrowers.com.au).
The book, costing $54.95 plus postage, can be ordered from
the Kondinin publishers website
www.kondinin.com.au or free call 1800 677
761.
Application forms for Exceptional Circumstances interim
income support are available from Centrelink offices or by calling 13 23
16. |
