Drought Assistance

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:27): I seek leave to offer a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries regarding fodder deliveries.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: In a question taken on notice back in June of this year, some five months ago, where I asked how much of the freight subsidy announced in the April package is remaining and will the government commit to further funding for freight rebates as required, the minister yesterday tabled that answer, which stated how much was yet to be allocated as of 17 June, and that, and I quote:

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is also closely monitoring seasonal conditions and will consider the need for further funding if necessary.

The opposition is aware of farmers and others in the supply chain who assisted with accessing fodder from Western Australia for drought-affected farmers on the understanding that the freight costs would be covered under agreed funding through PIRSA. We estimate that approximately $230,000 is owed for just one small cohort of farmers and that they have been waiting for months and still there is no sign of repayments. My questions to the minister are:

1. What is causing the delay in finalising reimbursements for these farmers and freight providers, particularly at a time when they are under significant financial pressure and cannot reasonably absorb these costs?

2. What is the total value of outstanding reimbursements for fodder assistance that remains unpaid?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:28): I thank the honourable member for her question. I would be happy to make some inquiries, if the honourable member could provide more detail about what she is referring to. Members may recall that funds are made available to charities to cover the transport costs of donated fodder. She is welcome to provide the details of the charities. If it is a matter of an arrangement between the charities and farmers, then that obviously would be different than if she is suggesting that the charities have not been reimbursed. Certainly the latter has not been brought to my attention as being something that is outstanding.