Reduce farmers’ asset test restrictions for assistance, says Senator Hanson
Media Release
31/07/2019
Senator Pauline Hanson has called for water access licences and key farming equipment to be quarantined from asset testing for Commonwealth support payments for struggling farmers.
The total value of assets that prevent farmers accessing the Farm Household Allowance was permanently lifted from $2.6-million to $5-million by the Parliament this week.
However, Senator Hanson suggested that assets that are vital to farming should not be included in calculations for the total farm assets value.
“Farmers are looking at an absolute minimum $150,000 or $250,000 for a decent tractor or similar farming equipment; and water licences, especially in time of drought, can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Senator Hanson said.
“These assets are vital for earning a living on the land, but they often don’t help put food on the table or pay the bills during droughts and they will also very easily push the farmer above the asset limit to claim the support payments during times of need.”
The assets test currently excludes the family home on the property plus up to two hectares of surrounding land, but it forces farmers to include assets like farming land, water resources and water access rights, livestock, crops, and plant or equipment.
Senator Hanson also questioned the “four cumulative years” for which farmers could access the support payments, suggesting it should instead be unlimited, given that some farmers have endured drought for eight continuous years or more.
“We don’t put time limits on Australians who claim Newstart and we don’t put restrictions on pensioners with regard to their pensions, so why should we put time limitations, period, on farmers who are dealing with drought conditions and need support in that time of need?”
Senator Hanson spoke on the issue in the Senate. She hoped the Minister would consider her suggestions.
Link to bills digest for Farm Household Support Amendment Bill 2019: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1920a/20bd008
