Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I can inform the senator that grape growers who have had their incomes impacted by drought conditions may be eligible for a concessional loan under the new Drought Concessional Loans Scheme. Separately, the government, through the Farm Finance Concessional Loans Scheme, is assisting farm businesses that are experiencing difficulties in servicing their current levels of debt by providing access to concessional loans. Under the scheme, grape growers in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have accessed concessional loans of up to $650,000 for debt restructuring purposes. These loans restructure existing debt and can help growers recover from periods of downturn in their income. The interim farm household allowance is also now available. Wine grape growers in financial hardship can apply for income support to ensure that they can put food on the table and pay the bills.