Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I would like to say, with respect to the shadow minister's questioning, I note that the minister did not commit to the release of the CBA after the cabinet had completed its deliberating in relation to the APVMA. I would also like to talk about the dairy industry. In my electorate of Mayo, I have many dairy farmers who do not sell to Fonterra and Murray Goulburn. These farmers do not currently have access to loans under the Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans scheme, despite being just as heavily affected by the recent drop in farmgate milk prices. Will the minister be extending the Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans scheme to farmers who to not sell to Fonterra and Murray Goulburn? Many farmers have told me they are hurting even though they do not sell to those two providers.

Furthermore, I understand that, for the purpose of the loan schemes in South Australia, security valuations are only based on land and not the full value of farm assets such as lands, livestock and water. I met with the state minister for agriculture who said to me that he needed greater clarity in relation to this from the federal minister. So my question to the minister is: can you provide some greater clarity so that we can have a national position in relation to this?

Minister, I would also like to talk to you about my own electorate of Mayo. We are growers of apples, pears and cherries and, as you know, the backpacker tax has significantly affected my community. My question to the minister is—

Honourable members interjecting —

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