The Federal Government has announced yet another drought assistance package – the question is, is it any more useful than the billions of dollars they’ve announced already?

The crux of the package is a series of interest free loans to farmers and tax concessions. But when you’re already in debt up to your eyeballs, is more debt going to help? Sure, they’re interest free for two years, but when you’ve been in drought for nearly three years, chances of you generating an income in two more years is unlikely.

And what good is a tax cut if you can’t plant crops or take stock to market and therefore have no income?

The biggest question is, where are The Nationals? I can kind of understand that Scott Morrison doesn’t get it – he grew up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and only visits the bush when his staff carefully orchestrate a photo opportunity for him. But what excuse to The Nationals have? Overall, the Federal Government is doing a pretty good job except for its approach to the drought. Pretty clear which side of the Coalition is letting the side down.

Michael McCormack, Bridget McKenzie and David Littleproud are supposed to represent the bush. It makes you wonder if they sit around the Cabinet table with gags on.

The Federal Government has announced yet another drought assistance package &ndash; the question is, is it any more useful than the billions of dollars they&rsquo;ve announced already?
The crux of the package is a series of interest free loans to farmers and tax concessions. But when you&rsquo;re already in debt up to your eyeballs, is more debt going to help? Sure, they&rsquo;re interest free for two years, but when you&rsquo;ve been in drought for nearly three years, chances of you generating an income in two more years is unlikely.
And what good is a tax cut if you can&rsquo;t plant crops or take stock to market and therefore have no income?
The biggest question is, where are The Nationals? I can kind of understand that Scott Morrison doesn&rsquo;t get it &ndash; he grew up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and only visits the bush when his staff carefully orchestrate a photo opportunity for him. But what excuse to The Nationals have? Overall, the Federal Government is doing a pretty good job except for its approach to the drought. Pretty clear which side of the Coalition is letting the side down.
Michael McCormack, Bridget McKenzie and David Littleproud are supposed to represent the bush. It makes you wonder if they sit around the Cabinet table with gags on.

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