Assistance measures
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In the 2013–14 Budget, the Australian Government announced its contribution to National Drought Program Reform–a $99.4 million investment in a new Farm Household Allowance to support farmers and their partners when they are in hardship.
The new allowance will be available from 1 July 2014 and provide farm families experiencing financial hardship with assistance, without the need for a drought or Exceptional Circumstances declaration. The allowance will provide eligible farmers and their partners with up to three years of fortnightly income support paid at a rate equivalent to Newstart Allowance (or Youth Allowance for those under 22).
Further information about the new Farm Household Allowance can be found at our drought program reform – questions and answers page and our National Drought Program Reform fact sheet.
Transitional Farm Family Support
The Transitional Farm Family Payment is available to eligible farm families experiencing financial difficulty regardless of cause or location.
Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment
The Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment assists farm families in EC–declared areas who are experiencing difficulties meeting basic living expenses. There are currently no EC–declared areas in Australia.
Farm Management Deposits
The Farm Management Deposits is a tax–linked risk management tool that helps primary producers to be more self reliant and better manage fluctuations in their income due to climate variability and market changes.
Tax Relief
Special taxation measures and concessions available to farmers.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free and impartial financial counselling for farmers, fishers and small businesses.
Assistance for isolated children
The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme helps the families of primary, secondary and certain tertiary students who cannot attend an appropriate state school on a daily basis because of geographical isolation. For further information, view the Assistance for Isolated Children, call the Department of Human Services AIC Hotline on 13 23 18 or contact your local Department of Human Services branch.
State and territory contacts
Links to state and territory government websites which provide information on state and territory initiatives and relevant contact information.
Farm Finance
Farm Finance is an initiative of the Australian Government comprising four measures designed to build the ongoing financial resilience of farmers who are currently struggling with high levels of debt.
For more information
- Drought and Farmer Assistance Hotline 13 23 16
14 May 2013