❓ The opposition leader questions the Premier's decision to provide financial support to Gindalbie Metals, Crown, and Claremont Football Club, suggesting the funds would be better allocated to struggling farmers. The Premier acknowledges the difficulties faced by farmers and outlines the government's limited assistance approach, focusing on working with banks rather than direct debt relief.
AnsweredQoN 26Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FARMERS — GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
26. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's comments today that some
farmers should leave the land and to his decision to not do anything meaningful
to assist them.
(1) Would the
$15 million gift the Premier gave to Gindalbie Metals last week not have been
better used to assist struggling farmers?
(2) Would the $30
million benefit the Premier gave to Crown not have been better spent to assist
struggling farmers?
(3) Would the $16
million benefit the Premier gave to Claremont Football Club not have been
better spent assisting struggling farmers?
26. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's comments today that some
farmers should leave the land and to his decision to not do anything meaningful
to assist them.
(1) Would the
$15 million gift the Premier gave to Gindalbie Metals last week not have been
better used to assist struggling farmers?
(2) Would the $30
million benefit the Premier gave to Crown not have been better spent to assist
struggling farmers?
(3) Would the $16
million benefit the Premier gave to Claremont Football Club not have been
better spent assisting struggling farmers?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3)
Unfortunately, in the eastern wheatbelt it is difficult for a significant
number of farmers. In the area around Moorine Rock, it was estimated about 10 per
cent of farmers, when I was there, did not have finance. What I think was
perhaps the saddest situation was those farmers who had made a decision to
leave their farms who could not sell them. I think that is difficult because
they are seeing their equity just get eroded by being unable to sell. The
reality is that there has been a trend of reduced rainfall in that area and
that probably means that the ones that can survive in the longer term tend to
be larger scale producers. I think there is a sense of reality in the wheatbelt
about that and the reality is also that we have seen the number of farmers in
the wheatbelt steadily decline as machinery gets bigger, as scale economies get
bigger and the like. That is very, very difficult because for a farmer and
their family, their farm is their business, is their home, is their lifestyle,
and people are very concerned. The state government is providing some
assistance immediately. I am meeting with banks this afternoon —
An opposition member interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
do not think you would be the one to talk about that at the moment!
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
We will do what we can to assist those farmers.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Albany!
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
While some might have a view, and some people are very stressed emotionally and
understandably financially caught in this, most of the farmers whom I have
spoken to have made it very clear that they are not expecting the state or the
taxpayer to take over their debts. I do not think anyone is realistically
expecting that and I made it very clear that the state will not do that.
However, we will look at the banks to see what we can do to try to free up some
finance to those who probably do have viable farms but are suffering from the
last four years. We will act very responsibly in that. I think, Leader of the
Opposition, farmers expect serious comment not cheap shots.
Unfortunately, in the eastern wheatbelt it is difficult for a significant
number of farmers. In the area around Moorine Rock, it was estimated about 10 per
cent of farmers, when I was there, did not have finance. What I think was
perhaps the saddest situation was those farmers who had made a decision to
leave their farms who could not sell them. I think that is difficult because
they are seeing their equity just get eroded by being unable to sell. The
reality is that there has been a trend of reduced rainfall in that area and
that probably means that the ones that can survive in the longer term tend to
be larger scale producers. I think there is a sense of reality in the wheatbelt
about that and the reality is also that we have seen the number of farmers in
the wheatbelt steadily decline as machinery gets bigger, as scale economies get
bigger and the like. That is very, very difficult because for a farmer and
their family, their farm is their business, is their home, is their lifestyle,
and people are very concerned. The state government is providing some
assistance immediately. I am meeting with banks this afternoon —
An opposition member interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I
do not think you would be the one to talk about that at the moment!
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
We will do what we can to assist those farmers.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Albany!
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
While some might have a view, and some people are very stressed emotionally and
understandably financially caught in this, most of the farmers whom I have
spoken to have made it very clear that they are not expecting the state or the
taxpayer to take over their debts. I do not think anyone is realistically
expecting that and I made it very clear that the state will not do that.
However, we will look at the banks to see what we can do to try to free up some
finance to those who probably do have viable farms but are suffering from the
last four years. We will act very responsibly in that. I think, Leader of the
Opposition, farmers expect serious comment not cheap shots.
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