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Treasurer refuses to consider scheme to help drought-affected farmers

JOHN STANLEY
Article image for Treasurer refuses to consider scheme to help drought-affected farmers

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is refusing to consider a HECS style scheme to help our farmers struggling through drought.

Alan Jones has long been championing the idea of introducing a loan scheme similar to the Higher Education Contribution Scheme offered to university students.

But when John Stanley put the idea to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, he insisted his loan scheme was better suited to solve the issue.

“What we’ve decided to do is to put more money into making loans to farmers, loans that don’t have interest in their first couple of years, and also ensuring that they get additional income support as well as support for the local councils.

“This will actually allow them to get back on their feet.”

When pushed on the point, the treasurer admitted he hadn’t looked into the idea.

John Stanley: “But you haven’t looked at the HECS scheme, you don’t think it’s a good idea? Because it sounds a lot better than your scheme.”

Josh Frydenberg: “Well I think we’ve got a number of important policy initiatives in place, and I’m not just talking about loans, I’m actually talking about income support-”

John Stanley: “I’m aware of that, but you haven’t looked at the HECS scheme?”

Josh Frydenberg: “That hasn’t been our focus.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

 

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