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The NSW Senate team leader for the Christian Democratic Party, Pastor Paul Green, has today called on the Federal Government to expand funds for drought relief. Canberra has currently committed $300million plus a recent $20 million from the State Government.
“The current program finishes in March 2008,” said Paul Green, “yet it is common knowledge that drought relief is needed well beyond 12 months after a drought has broken.”
“70% of New South Wales is still in drought. And many farmers are still looking at empty dams and empty stock feed silos. While up to 400 requests are being made each month for government financial assistance we are still a long way short of adequate assistance to our hardworking drought-stricken primary producers.
After hearing the Yass Manager of the Rural Lands Protection Board Mr Kim Turner at an ecumenical service (Sunday 29 July 2007) thanking God for the recent rain, Pastor Green said we must stand with our farmers and support them in every way we can.
“Australians are known for coming together in adversity,” Pastor Green stated. "Australian taxpayers are willing to share the burdens which this devastating drought continues to impose on primary producers. They deserve our prayers, and they also deserve our dollars."