❓ A parliamentary question addresses delays in exceptional circumstances aid for drought-affected farmers, application complexity, and payment timeframes. The Minister assures that aid delivery isn't hampered by reform delays, simplifies application processes with financial support, and outlines payment timelines, while acknowledging potential delays due to incomplete applications.
AnsweredQoN 341Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
According to the National Farmers Federation, the inability of the State and federal Governments to agree on proposals for exceptional circumstances aid is hampering the delivery of that aid to those farmers most affected by the drought. (1) What steps is the Government taking to construct a framework for exceptional circumstances aid that will be commensurate with aid offered by the federal Government? (2) Has the State Government derived a simplified application form that can be clearly understood by the claimants without the need for a science or accounting degree, as was the case with the previous forms, which a percentage of people were unable to complete due to its complexity? (3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(1) What steps is the Government taking to construct a framework for exceptional circumstances aid that will be commensurate with aid offered by the federal Government? (2) Has the State Government derived a simplified application form that can be clearly understood by the claimants without the need for a science or accounting degree, as was the case with the previous forms, which a percentage of people were unable to complete due to its complexity? (3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(2) Has the State Government derived a simplified application form that can be clearly understood by the claimants without the need for a science or accounting degree, as was the case with the previous forms, which a percentage of people were unable to complete due to its complexity? (3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(1) What steps is the Government taking to construct a framework for exceptional circumstances aid that will be commensurate with aid offered by the federal Government? (2) Has the State Government derived a simplified application form that can be clearly understood by the claimants without the need for a science or accounting degree, as was the case with the previous forms, which a percentage of people were unable to complete due to its complexity? (3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(2) Has the State Government derived a simplified application form that can be clearly understood by the claimants without the need for a science or accounting degree, as was the case with the previous forms, which a percentage of people were unable to complete due to its complexity? (3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(3) Will the Government confirm the expected time frame for a claimant to be paid an EC subsidy after his application is submitted? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
I am particularly grateful to Hon Frank Hough for the question because it enables me to address some of the issues that were raised by the National Farmers Federation. I am sure it understood what it was saying and meant its comments to be beneficial; however, they have misled some people into believing that the processing of applications for exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed because of a lack of agreement. The reform of the exceptional circumstances funding has been delayed but the process itself is continuing, and people are getting the benefit of that program, albeit in its former rather than reformed shape. The delay in the State and federal Governments agreeing on various aspects of EC reform is in no way hampering the delivery of EC grants to Western Australian farmers in EC-declared areas. Grants totalling $14.5 million have been paid to date, and more is being paid to farmers as the applications are received and assessed. The Prime Minister has suggested that any new submissions for EC declaration will be considered under the existing guidelines and, as such, States that believe they have a case should not delay applying. I have previously paid credit in this place to the role that the Prime Minister has played in sometimes breaking the nexus on issues relating to exceptional circumstances. This was another instance in which the Prime Minister’s intervention solved what was becoming something of a deadlock. (1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(1) This Government has been at the forefront of continuing discussions with the Commonwealth on how the EC framework might be enhanced. I am happy to say that that was recently acknowledged by Minister Truss. I have always acknowledged the need for reform and have been active in introducing some of the reforms that have already been agreed, such as greater community involvement in submissions, buffer zones and the use of predictive modelling. This State has contributed $2.5 million to the existing EC areas on top of the various state packages that have supported farmers over the past two years. I recently announced a further $6.8 million of state support to farmers, including a $1.6 million contingency for any new EC case that might be successful in the coming months. I am working on a more equitable funding regime that will enable the State to better manage its risk from severe seasonal conditions in agriculture, which would also include consideration of assistance to non-farm rural businesses. (2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(2) The State Government is reviewing the EC application forms. However, it is important to remember that a minimum number of facts need to be determined and information requested to meet the accountability requirements of the conditions provided by the Commonwealth and for accountability standards purposes. It has been acknowledged that a number of people will have difficulty making an application. To that end, as part of the recently announced state assistance package, direct farmer grants of up to $1 500 are available to help businesses meet the cost of employing a professional consultant to, among other things, prepare EC applications. It should also be noted that rural financial counsellors are available to assist farmers at no cost to understand, put together, and complete EC applications. (3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
(3) The average turnaround time this year for an application to be assessed and a decision made is 20 calendar days. The farmer is advised in writing of the decision and provided with a funding agreement that has to be signed by the farmer and his financier. Once the agreement is returned, the payment is made directly into a bank account nominated by the farmer within three to five working days. I have to apply a codicil to that. That time frame would apply only if no issues of dispute arose and provided that the form was correctly and accurately completed. Frequently, it is not the case. Delays have occurred by sending forms back to a farmer for the provision of information. That is one of the things that we hope, with the provision of the $1 500 to help hire professional assistance, we will eliminate or substantially reduce.
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