Sharman Stone MP

The Government must expedite Act of Grace payments in lieu of farm exit grant claims

January 20, 2012

Farmers who missed out on receiving farm exit grant payments due to the failure of the Government to allocate sufficient funds to the scheme last year have now been advised that their appeals to the government for payment of these grants have fallen on deaf ears.

Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray said that Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig's office has now advised that all appeals for payment of Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration Program (CDDA) by applicants for the grant have been denied.

This is despite the fact that it was the government's failure (6 weeks only funding) to allocate sufficient funding to this scheme which has resulted in these terrible hardships being inflicted on farmers who are being forced to leave the industry after many years of drought.

“We will support all those affected to pursue Act of Grace Payments from the Government as the Government cannot turn its back on these unfortunate families who are suffering through no fault of their own,” said Sharman Stone.

“The matter is now in the hands of the Finance Minister Penny Wong and I urge her to speedily expedite these claims for Act of Grace Payment to give these applicants financial certainty and the ability to move on with their lives.

“I would also urge any unsuccessful local applicant who is encountering difficulty in lodging an act of grace application to contact my office immediately on 03 5821 5371,” said Sharman Stone.

Further Media Enquiries:
Dr Sharman Stone’s Office – Gaayathri Periasami 0417 148 110