8 April 2010
DAFF10/407B

The Rudd Government has referred an Exceptional Circumstances submission from the NSW State Government to the independent National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC).

NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan sent a submission to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke, seeking a review of NRAC’s recommendation not to extend the EC declaration for the Hume EC region.

Mr Burke has referred the application to NRAC which will again provide advice back to the government.
The Hume region includes the towns of Khancoban and Tumbarumba.

“The Rudd Government recognises the current system is not working for our farmers and we’re considering the details of possible reforms to the drought system,” Mr Burke said.

“Australian farmers are experiencing some of the toughest conditions of their working lives, we want to prepare them for future challenges, rather than waiting until they are in crisis to offer assistance.”

For more information on Exceptional Circumstances, visit www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/ec