Question regarding the Federal Government's approval of the extended boundary of the exceptional circumstances area to assist WA farmers facing financial difficulties due to frost and drought. The Minister's response indicates uncertainty and a lack of a confirmed decision.

AnsweredQoN 7Legislative Council
Asked
1 May 2001
Portfolio
Agriculture

QuestionView source ↗

Will the minister advise the House whether the proposed extended boundary of the exceptional circumstances area has been approved by the Federal Government to assist farmers with financial difficulties in the planting of the 2001 crop due to frost and drought? Hon KIM CHANCE

AnswerView source ↗

The Government could be accused, if it is not careful, of misleading the House because that decision may have been made today.  At this stage the Government is not aware of a decision having been made by the commonwealth minister to that effect, although we believe that decision is imminent.  However, there is still some conjecture about whether the commonwealth minister will make that decision or whether he must take the matter back to the federal Cabinet.  Our office has received two contradictory answers on that question from the minister’s office.  My latest understanding is that the matter may have to go back to the federal Cabinet.  If that is the case, we are not likely to learn of that decision until next Tuesday.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: The Government could be accused, if it is not careful, of misleading the House because that decision may have been made today.  At this stage the Government is not aware of a decision having been made by the commonwealth minister to that effect, although we believe that decision is imminent.  However, there is still some conjecture about whether the commonwealth minister will make that decision or whether he must take the matter back to the federal Cabinet.  Our office has received two contradictory answers on that question from the minister’s office.  My latest understanding is that the matter may have to go back to the federal Cabinet.  If that is the case, we are not likely to learn of that decision until next Tuesday.
The Government could be accused, if it is not careful, of misleading the House because that decision may have been made today.  At this stage the Government is not aware of a decision having been made by the commonwealth minister to that effect, although we believe that decision is imminent.  However, there is still some conjecture about whether the commonwealth minister will make that decision or whether he must take the matter back to the federal Cabinet.  Our office has received two contradictory answers on that question from the minister’s office.  My latest understanding is that the matter may have to go back to the federal Cabinet.  If that is the case, we are not likely to learn of that decision until next Tuesday.

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