This parliamentary question inquires about the uptake and financial utilisation of the 2024 Drought Response: Interest Free loans relief package, and the government's plans for review and future similar packages. The answer reveals low uptake and clarifies the program's ongoing status.

AnsweredQoN 2142Legislative Assembly
Asked
5 May 2026
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the 2024 Drought Response: Interest Free loans relief package introduced by the WA Government and ask:(a) Please outline the number of farm businesses which accessed the package;(b) How much of the $4 million package has been used as part of the package;(c) Has a review of the loan package been undertaken since it's cessation:(i) If so:(A) will the review be tabled; and(B) who undertook the review; and(ii) If not:(A) why not; and(B) will a review be considered;(d) Will the Government consider a similar package in the future?
I refer to the 2024 Drought Response: Interest Free loans relief package introduced by the WA Government and ask:
(a) Please outline the number of farm businesses which accessed the package;
(b) How much of the $4 million package has been used as part of the package;
(c) Has a review of the loan package been undertaken since it's cessation:
(i) If so:
(A) will the review be tabled; and
(B) who undertook the review; and
(ii) If not:
(A) why not; and
(B) will a review be considered;
(d) Will the Government consider a similar package in the future?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
9 June 2026
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
9 days
(a)   Eight loans were approved.
(b)   $200,000 (eight $25,000 loans). The remaining funds have been returned to the Rural Business Development Corporation (RBDC) as per the budget paper.
(c) – (d) The program has not ceased, and packages are determined based on needs arising from any given event.

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