Byrne commits to ongoing drought aid

Producers struggling to keep their businesses afloat were thrown into the spotlight when opposition leader Lawrence Springborg toured Longreach, Aramac and Jundah areas early in the week and called for the government to commit to ongoing assistance for them and fellow graziers.

“Some of what I’ve seen is pretty ominous,” he said.

“They try and be ahead of the game instead of being forced, but the circumstances now mean they’re being forced into situations.

“People are wondering where they will source animals from to start making an income from, and what the point of no return is.

“I hear the government message about drought relief carrying through to 2018, but I’m interested to know what actual funding is part of that.

“Is it for water, for fodder, or what?

“I think they need to clarify what their intentions are.”

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne responded angrily, accusing Mr Springborg of misleading people over drought assistance.

“It is remarkable that the leader of the opposition has issued a media statement which seems deliberately calculated to create a false impression about the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to drought assistance,” he said.

“I will make the position crystal clear. It was a Labor election commitment to support primary producers in drought by maintaining existing drought relief arrangements until 2018.”

At the conclusion of his tour, Mr Springborg, accompanied by shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington and Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar, said he would be working towards a commitment of federal support that goes beyond current funding rounds.

“The drought response is in the short-term. We need to look at long-term viability for young families, and how people restructure.

“Many are walking away from this life but people want to know what we can advocate.

“There needs to be greater sustainability and opportunity for these people to be self-sufficient.”

Mr Springborg welcomed the federal government’s announcement of a special economic stimulus package aimed at creating jobs and providing population stability in drought affected areas.

“These communities need support to get back on their feet. We need to focus not only on the property owners but also the impact drought has on business.”

He wouldn’t echo recent calls for exceptional circumstances to be declared, saying it was something decided by drought committees, not politicians.

“If the circumstances are serious enough, there should be a process that can trigger that,” he said.