PM Transcripts

F77/ 287
PRIME MRAINISTE
FOR PRESS 4 DECEMBER 1977
DROUGHT RELIEF -WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The Commonwealth Government today agreed to a request from the
Premier of Western Australia to support an increase to
$ 40,000 in the maximum limit for concessional loans to
primary producers for carry-on and restocking purposes
in drought declared areas.
This assistance is being provided under the Natural Disaster
Assistance Arrangements agreed between the Commonwealth and
the States.
The Commonwealth has already agreed to support various drought
relief measures in Western Australia including freight subsidies
for the carriage of fodder, stock and water, a cattle slaughter
compensation scheme, and assistance to local and semi-government
authorities to slaughter and dispose of helpless and unsaleable
stock. Similar drought relief measures have been supported in New
South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
All producers affected will be eligible for this assistance and
the Commonwealth will meet the cost of all expenditure in
Western Australia above $ 1.5 million in 1977-78.
The Commonwealth sympathises with the plight of the many
producers affected by the drought.
Mr. Fraser said " When natural disasters such as drought occur in
a State, the Commonwealth stands ready to assist the State
financially under the Natural Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
The present assistance being given to New South Wales,
Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, are
examples of the way in which the Commonwealth helps the
States in such emergencies."