Kay Hull (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you for that explanation. Minister, you have touched on exactly what I was going to raise on the issue of EC support. You are aware, obviously, that on page 60 of the DAFF budget statements there is a statement reading:

The reduction in expenses between 2009-10 and 2010-11 is due to the cessation of drought programs.

On page 27 of the department Treasury budget statements under ‘Exceptional circumstances assistance’ there is no allocation for those years 2009-10 and 2010-11. That is only to the end of June 2009. Will you reassure the agriculture sector, the small business industries and those people in rural and regional Australia who are still EC declared that you will secure funding for those people who, as I said, are EC declared after 30 June 2009, being two weeks away?

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