Fed: Farmers flooding assistance package

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2000
Fed: Farmers flooding assistance package

Dairy farmers are rushing for a $1.7 billion assistance scheme a week before it closes.

The Dairy Adjustment Authority has reported it has received more than 13,000 applications
by farmers for part of the assistance package.

This is well up on earlier counts which forced the authority to issue a warning to
farmers they risked missing out on substantial funds.

The package has been put in place to help farmers adjust to the deregulation of the
dairy industry.

Authority board member TERRY O'CALLAGHAN says it appears people are now getting the
message their applications have to be in before August 17.

There has been criticism from farmers and dairy organisations about the way the authority
is handling applications.

Mr O'CALLAGHAN says applicants are now being telephoned as soon as their applications
are received.

He says up to 30 per cent of applications have been incorrectly completed, ranging
from putting information in the wrong box to conflicting responses.

AAP RTV sw/ss/slp/jx

KEYWORD: DAIRY ADJUST (CANBERRA)

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