Malcolm TurnbullVerified account

An inspiring Australian. Sending our love and sympathy to his family. Rest In Peace. https://twitter.com/golfaust/status/1027374052980142081 …

Our farmers are not helpless. They are courageous, they are innovative, they are enterprising. They understand that drought is part of the Australian climate. They get that and what we have to do is make sure that we back them in when the times get as tough as they are now.

Every farmer’s circumstances are different. It is very important not to self assess, instead contact the Rural Financial Counsellors on 1800 686 175 who will assist with the paperwork.

The lump sum payments will put more money onto the tables of those that need it the most so they have cash to spend on essential items and pay for things like school fees. This money is to keep body and soul together and will flow into local communities.

Families currently on the FHA will receive a lump sum supplementary payment of $6000 on 1 September and $6000 again on 1 March, totaling $12,000 of additional support over the year.

We’re increasing the asset threshold to $5 million which will mean 27,000 families  and single farmers who are currently not receiving the FHA will now be eligible. Fortnightly payments for those currently on the FHA will continue.

8,000 people have already applied for and accessed the fortnightly Farm Household Allowance.

The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is a payment for farming families in financial hardship. In June we provided an extension to the FHA from three to four years after we heard from farmers first hand in NSW and QLD.

Here is what you need to know about the immediate financial assistance we’re providing to Australian farmers and their communities to fight one of the worst droughts of the past century.

These measures are immediate and material. They are on top of the $386 million in drought relief we have already announced and the drought concessional loans, and there is more to come.

Funding will be provided to @ReachOut_AUS to go out into drought affected communities and raise awareness of their youth and children’s counselling services group.

We are providing additional funding for Primary Health Networks in drought affected areas to cope with increased demand. We will also remove the requirement for those accessing counselling via Skype to have their first appointment in person.

We understand the mental toll the drought takes on farmers, families and rural communities.

We are also investing an extra $5 mil in the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which will provide additional support for farmers - particularly those applying for the first time.

Additional income will help put food on the table and cover basic expenses such as bills and school fees and will flow through to businesses in country towns who are doing it tough.