Fed: Dairy farmers late on applying for deregulation package

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2000
Fed: Dairy farmers late on applying for deregulation package

Fewer than half of Australia's 17,000 dairy farmers have lodged claims for part of
a $1.8 billion assistance package barely a fortnight before it closes.

The Dairy Adjustment Authority says there has been an increase in applications for
the package which is aimed at helping farmers adjust to the deregulated dairy market.

But the rate of increase still means many of the nation's dairy farmers won't get their
applications in by the August 17 cut-off.

An authority spokesman says South Australian farmers are leading the way, with 55 per
cent getting in their applications.

But across the Nullarbor in Western Australia just 20 per cent of farmers have applied
for compensation.

All other states, including Victoria where more than half of the nation's dairy farmers
are based, are around the 30 per cent mark.

The low application rate has forced United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president MAX FEHRING
to warn there's no chance of an extension to the application cut-off.

He says he's deeply alarmed by the low application rate with the closing date just
two weeks away.

Farmers wanting more information can contact the authority's hotline on 1800 503 603.

AAP RTV sw/mfh/smf/jn

KEYWORD: DAIRY DEREGULATE (CANBERRA)

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