Small Businesses

Many small businesses that rely on farmers and their income may be eligible for exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance.

Income support, or Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment (ECRP) for small business, is provided through Centrelink as a fortnightly payment in a similar manner to the Newstart Allowance.

Interest rate subsidies, or the EC Interest Rate Subsidy for small business, is administered by the State and Territory rural assistance authorities.

Both forms of support are available to eligible small businesses that rely on farmers for their income.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the owners of small businesses must

• source a minimum 70 per cent of their income from the provision of goods and services for farming activities in EC-declared areas, or after 25 September 2007, demonstrate that the business is located in a town that is substantially reliant on farm income, has a population of 10 000 or less and is in an EC (including prima facie and interim assistance) declared area
• employ up to 100 full time equivalent staff
• have experienced a significant downturn as a result of the drought
• contribute a significant part of their labour and capital to the business and derive a significant part of their income from the business
• be an Australian resident or have permission to stay permanently in Australia
• have a current Australian Business Number (ABN) and carry out commercial activities
• income and assets tests do apply but assets essential to the running of the small business are not included.

Small business owners should not self-assess their eligibility for income support but should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16, contact your local Centrelink office or visit the Drought Assistance page on Centrelink’s website.

For more information and to apply for an EC Interest Rate Subsidy contact the relevant State or Territory rural assistance authority as listed on the Drought Contacts page or on the telephone numbers below.

• New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: NSW Rural Assistance Authority 1800 678 593
• South Australia: Primary Industry and Resources South Australia 1800 182 235
• Queensland: QRAA 1800 623 946
• Victoria: Rural Finance Corporation of Victoria 03 5448 2600
• Western Australia: Rural Business Development Corporation 1800 198 231
• Tasmania: Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment 03 6336 5418 
• Northern Territory: Department of Resources 08 8999 5511