24 June 2009
DAFF09/284B
The push to retain members of the National Rural Advisory Council in their current roles is further proof the Government will continue to provide drought support to families on Exceptional Circumstances assistance.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the Rural Adjustment Amendment Bill 2009 had passed Parliament, clearing the way for the Government to reappoint members of the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) for a third term.
The NRAC is an independent expert body advising the minister on rural issues including Exceptional Circumstances applications and extensions to declarations.
Under the current system, NRAC members can only be appointed for a maximum of two terms.
Half of the existing members had already served two terms and were due to step down from their roles on 1 July 2009.
Mr Burke said if the legislation had not passed Parliament, the remaining NRAC members would have had to shoulder a greater burden and new members would have to be appointed unnecessarily.
Speaking on the Bill last night, Mr Burke emphasised the Government stood by its commitment that support would continue for families currently receiving Exceptional Circumstances assistance.
“The guarantee has been given many times by me and the Prime Minister…I give the guarantee to each of the farmers in your electorates who are currently on EC payments that, when we reach 1 July in a few weeks’ time, they will continue to receive the payments.”
Tony Burke, House of Representatives, 23 June 2009
Mr Burke said the Government’s push to retain current NRAC members was another step in delivering on that commitment.
“I have been absolutely clear – and said repeatedly – that the rules will not change for those currently receiving Exceptional Circumstances assistance,” Mr Burke said.
“I urged Members of Parliament again last night to end this fear campaign that puts drought-stricken farmers under even more pressure.
“Our drought reforms are about improving the system for future droughts – not the current one.”