|
|
|
Tuesday, 25 January 2005 The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc (RGA) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) submission for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) have been successful in receiving a prima facie as announced by Minister Warren Truss today. “This is a positive first step outcome for many rice growers in the Murray Valley who have been experiencing financial hardship due to the ongoing climatic conditions and provides some relief coming into the New Year,” said Mr Laurie Arthur, President of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia. “The prima facie means that rice growers in the Murray Valley can apply for interim assistance through Centrelink for six months income support,” said Mr Arthur. “In announcing Prima Facie EC, the Federal Government has recognised the huge impact the drought has had on the rice industry, in particular those in the Murray Valley who have not been able to grow a crop for three consecutive years,” said Mr Arthur. The RGA would like to acknowledge and thank Minister Warren Truss and Minister Ian Macdonald and their respective staff for their prompt work in assessing and announcing Prima Facie EC. A submission which receives prima facie is referred onto the National Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) for independent analysis for full EC, with a further recommendation on this to Minister Warren Truss expected to be announced within eight weeks. Rice growers in the Murray Valley should contact their local Centrelink office, Southern Riverina Rural Advisory Service in Deniliquin or the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc. for further assistance. CONTACT |
NEWS & EVENTS |
    |
© Copyright Ricegrowers' Association of Australia |
