The Australian Government has some excellent programs which have proven to be a great help to many clients.  Below we present a brief summary of three programs.  In italics at the end is a brief summary of how some clients have benefited from each program.  Please phone or email me if you wish to know more.

Farm Help

The AAA – Farm Help – Supporting Families through Change program is one of a number of programs developed as a part of the Australian Government’s Agriculture – Advancing Australia (AAA) package.  The Farm Help program offers:

• Financial assistance to farmers and their families who are experiencing financial difficulties.

• Tailored assistance to farm families to adjust and make decisions about their future in the industry.

• Access to professional advice and training to assist farmers to consider their options for the future, to find alternative sources of income or to re-establish themselves outside of farming.

• A re-establishment grant for those who choose to exit farming.

You do not need to offer your farm for sale in order to qualify for Farm Help and you do not have to register as unemployed or meet a work activity test.

This is an excellent program which has enabled clients to access up to $5,500 (GST inc) for professional advice, as well as receiving income support for 12 months.  Although administered by Centrelink, the Farm Help officers will come to your property and discuss eligibility.  Surprising numbers of farmers qualify.

Drought Relief

The Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment (ECRP) is delivered by Centrelink on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.  The payment provides assistance to farmers living in ‘exceptional circumstances’ affected areas who are having difficulty meeting family and personal living expenses.

With the run of drought years, many farmers qualify.

Environmental Management Systems

The Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Incentives Program is an Australian Government funded program delivered by Centrelink on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to encourage the adoption of sustainable management practices by primary producers who implement an Environmental Management System (EMS).

The EMS Incentives Program provides primary producers with a cash reimbursement of up to 50% of the costs associated with developing and implementing an EMS for the primary production enterprise.  The maximum amount payable per enterprise is $3,000, that is $6,000 must have been spent in order to reimburse the maximum $3,000.

Clients have used this scheme to obtain a 50% rebate on the purchase of the FARM Software System, which they use to prepare an Environmental Action plan.  Can also get 50% rebate on tree planting, erosion control and other costs associated with preparing and implementing an Environmental Action plan.  The Environmental Action plan must be lodged when you seek your rebate.