I am pleased to announce an additional $8 million over two years for the Country Women's Association (CWA) to meet ongoing demand for assistance.
The Australian Government has this financial year already provided $4 million to the CWA to distribute emergency grants to families and community organisations in drought affected areas.
The Australian Government will continue to support rural families and communities during this difficult time. As there appears no likelihood of demand abating in the near future, I have agreed to a further $8 million being provided immediately to the CWA in recognition of the needs of rural families and communities during the severe drought.
I applaud the work done by the CWA to date in distributing grants of up to $2000 to families to cover household essentials and up to $3000 for community organisations to fund activities that provide support to drought affected communities.