Question Time

Farm Debt Mediation

Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (14:24): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General update the house on how the Marshall Liberal government is delivering to farmers in relation to debt mediation?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:24): I thank the member for Narungga for that question. I know how important it is that he represent and advocate for farmers in his electorate.

I advise members that the object of the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2018 was to provide for the efficient and equitable resolution of farm debt dispute by requiring creditors to provide farmers with the opportunity to have the disputes referred to mediation before creditors are able to take possession of property or other enforcement action under farm mortgages. We all know—and if we don't we should know—that our farmers are always facing the vicissitudes of the weather, commodity prices, disease and all the other challenges that they have, and we appreciate the contribution they make to our state.

For the benefit of the parliament, in the update, whilst there was expected to be some 15 farm debt mediations per year, the Small Business Commissioner, who is vested with the responsibility of this, has advised that the first came in on 2 October last year. There were three last year and six this year. Of the nine that have been completed, eight were mediations. There has been a signed agreement and/or settlement deed between the farmer and the creditor regarding the farm debt. One of the mediations is open, pending further negotiations. Of the nine cases that have been dealt with, seven were initiated by the creditor. There are six more mediations that are scheduled, so there is ongoing work in this regard.

The Hon. A. Piccolo interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Light is called to order.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: The commissioner has a team of some 10 experts in this area—some are lawyers, some aren't—that's probably more helpful in these cases.

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner interjecting:

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: I shouldn't be self-deprecating, that's right. I am sure they all make a valuable contribution. The combined expertise and experience in providing this through this legislation is something of which we are proud in this government and is a small way that our government is able to support farmers in circumstances where their mortgage obligations, in particular debt levels, have reached the stage where it cripples their capacity to be able to continue. It has not only been passed but it has been initiated. It's well used, it's on track and it's successful.

The Hon. A. Piccolo: And we set it up.

The SPEAKER: The member for Light is warned.