Federal Agricultural minister Joe Ludwig is calling on businesses affected by the suspension of live exports to Indonesia to make use of the available assistance. 

As of Wednesday, August 17, Centrelink had delivered $3.5 million in assistance to people and businesses affected by the live export suspension.

Centrelink was now registering the details of individuals and businesses interested in applying for the subsidised interest rate assistance also recently announced. That assistance will be delivered through State and Territory Governments.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (South Australia), supported by the Federal and NT Governments, is also providing face-to-face services in the Northern Territory.

Mr Ludwig said the Government was working directly with industry and communities to improve awareness about the availability of packages, and to ensure potential applicants are clear about how to apply.

“I understand that the suspension means some producers are doing it tough,” Mr Ludwig said. 

“There is substantial assistance available to producers and anyone who is in hardship should find out how we can help you.”

Individuals and businesses who wish to lodge a claim for assistance or find out more about the package should visit www.centrelink.gov.au or call 1800 808 869 between 8am and 8pm (local time).

Available assistance announced to date includes:

• On June 27 the Government released a $3m financial package to provide income recovery subsidy payments to individuals who had experienced a loss of income due to the trade suspension, as well as priority assistance through Job Services Australia for people who may have been retrenched as a result of the ban.

Employers of Indigenous Australians and Indigenous businesses can also access this support through the existing Indigenous Employment Program which provides funding to support employers through the provision of wage subsidies, training and other activities for Indigenous employees.

• On June 30 an assistance package of $30 million was announced to help pastoralists and other businesses to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures caused by the suspension.

Under this package, the Government is providing grants of up to $5000 for eligible businesses, with further grants of up to $20,000 also available.

• On August 10 Mr Ludwig announced new assistance to provide access to working capital through the provision of a subsidised interest rate on new loans of up to $300,000 for a range of businesses directly affected by the temporary suspension.

• The assistance included grants for financial assistance advice of up to $5500 for pastoralists.

• The Rural Financial Counselling Service, a free service that can provide financial advice and assistance applying for available funding, can be contacted by calling 1800 1800 836 211. 

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