Opposition Welcomes Federal Government’s Farm Finance Package.

 Media Release.

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2013

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin said the Queensland Opposition welcomes additional support for farmers through the Rudd Federal Labor Government’s Farm Finance package.

Mr Mulherin said the low cost loans would provide farmers with the capacity to access additional financing during tough times.

“This low cost financial support could greatly strengthen the viability of many farms across Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Queensland is the first state to gain access to this package, which shows how seriously the Federal Government is taking the concerns of farmers across the state."

“There’s no doubt that at the moment, export conditions are tough and the appetite for lending among banks has lessened, which makes this finance package vital. It’ll allow many farmers on the brink of collapse to refinance their loans at a much cheaper rate."

“I congratulate the Federal Government on their willingness to operate above the petty politics of the Queensland LNP Government and get this program in place.”

Mr Mulherin said the Farm Finance package was first floated months ago, and should’ve been implemented by now.

“If it wasn’t for the political games of Campbell Newman and John McVeigh, this assistance would already be in place."

“Mr Newman is on record saying that ‘Farmers don’t want more debt. Cattle can’t eat debt’, yet Mr McVeigh now welcomes the Farm Finance package."

“If farmers don’t want this special package of financial assistance as the Premier says, why is Mr Newman’s Government supportive of it?"

“It’s just more evidence that the Premier and his Government are more interested in petty politics than they are in the best interests of Queensland.”