Drought Bus returns to Tasmania for Agfest

Tasmania Media Release
Friday, 28 March 2008

The Australian Government’s Drought Bus will return to Tasmania in April to encourage local farmers and small business owners to talk to specialist Centrelink rural staff and explore the range of available payments and support.

The Drought Bus will arrive in Tasmania on 22 April and will spend two weeks touring the State including an inaugural stop at Agfest from Thursday, 1 May to Saturday, 3 May.

"To make it easier for farmers and communities to access drought assistance payments and other forms of Australian Government support, the Drought Bus will be taking its services directly to the people," Centrelink Rural Services Officer Janine Walker said.

"Agfest is one of the biggest events on the Tasmania calendar each year and by attending we can ensure the entire rural community is aware of the various types of support available."

Specialised Centrelink staff including Rural Service Officers and social workers are available to provide counselling and support.

"As Rural Support officers, we work in rural communities and understand what farmers are going through," Ms Walker said.

"We know many farmers are struggling to cope - both emotionally and financially. We want them to understand there is support available.

"Farmers can help us process their assistance claims as quickly as possible by making sure they bring in relevant documents when they visit the Drought Bus. This includes things like proof of identity, rates notices, tax returns, birth certificates or extracts, bank, shares or other investment statements as well as payslips for any off-farm work."

Ms Walker said small businesses that serve local farms in EC and prima facie declared areas would also benefit from speaking with Drought Bus staff.

"Small businesses that employ less than 100 staff - such as contract harvesters, seed, feed or fertiliser suppliers, livestock transporters, and suppliers of farm machinery and equipment - may now be eligible for drought assistance and interest rate subsidies.

"Everyone’s circumstances are different, and farmers and small businesses shouldn’t self assess their eligibility for assistance payments or other support. Come and see us at the Drought Bus or call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 2316 to find out for sure."

The Drought Bus itinerary for Tasmania:

Find out more about Australian Government Drought Bus services.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.