Fed: Farmers flooding assistance package

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

CANBERRA, Aug 11 AAP - Dairy farmers were rushing to join a $1.7 billion assistance
scheme a week before it closes.

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

This was well up on earlier counts which forced the authority to issue a warning to
farmers that 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 said it appeared people were now getting the
message that their applications had to be in before August 17.

"I must admit, we've been anxious that dairy farmers were not grasping the finality
of the August 17 deadline," he said in a statement.

"But it seems now that most people have got the message and are returning their forms
at the last minute."

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

Mr O'Callaghan said applicants were now being telephoned as soon as their applications
were received.

Mr O'Callaghan said up to 30 per cent of applications had been incorrectly completed,
ranging from putting information in the wrong box to conflicting responses.

AAP sw/ss/apm

KEYWORD: DAIRY ADJUST

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