St George and Charleville meetings of Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce

The Palaszczuk Government’s Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce will hold public hearings at Charleville’s RSL Club and also the St George Skills Centre tomorrow giving those most affected a chance to tell the Government firsthand the impact of the drought and their debt levels.  

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the Taskforce was established in October to help identify and recommend solutions to address the debt issues faced by Queensland’s primary producers.

“The agricultural sector makes a substantial contribution to our economy, so it's important we hear firsthand about the difficulties faced by drought-affected farmers,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Taskforce will recommend solutions for Government’s consideration which will complement the Government’s existing $52.1 million drought package announced in the State Budget in July.

“Together with $154 million in financial assistance from the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority in the last financial year, initiatives such as this provide some relief to farming families.

"The Rural Debt Taskforce will play an important role in informing the ongoing support and assistance Government can offer to drought-affected farmers."

The Taskforce is chaired by the Member for Mount Isa, Rob Katter and includes both a Government and Opposition MP, mayors, representatives from the agricultural sector and economists.

Information on the Taskforce is available at www.daf.qld.gov.au/ruraldebttaskforce/about-us/taskforce-members

The meeting at Charleville’s RSL goes from 8.30-12.00pm and the hearing at the St George Skills Centre will run 2.00pm-5.00pm

A closed session will follow each public forum, where people can talk about their submissions or other matters in private with members of the Taskforce. 

People who would like to request a private discussion can contact the Secretariat on 07 3224 6415 or via email at ruraldebtsecretariat@daf.qld.gov.au

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