Supporting the vulnerable - Federal Budget Edition

While the Budget has placed a strong focus on business and growth of the economy, the Government is also making sure to address the needs of those in the community who have faced hardships and fallen behind in recent years. 

Farmers and farming communities affected by natural disasters and older Australians are among those being benefited. 

Supporting the farming business 

The Budget has put in place the mechanism to ensure that no single group will shoulder the burden of drought that is currently affecting farmers across much of Australia. There will be funding provided in drought assistance and concessional loans for farmers and farming communities, helping them to get through tough times and increasing access to income support through the Farm Household Allowance. 

Supporting farmers in floods: 

The recent floods devastating the Queensland farming community have created a need for the Government to assist the industry in restoring their vital contribution to the national economy and local communities. Flood-affected farmers will have access to up to $300 million in grants to help rebuild damaged farm infrastructure, replace livestock and replant crops. 

Along with the support provided to the farmers currently experiencing hardship, the Government will prepare for and mitigate the impact of future natural disasters by investing significant funding in new weather radars, the Future Drought Fund, and the creation of a new Emergency Response Fund. 

Supporting older Australians: 

Funding to the aged-care sector in 2019-20 has increased by more than 50% since 2013-14, and will allow older Australians to access more choices in better-quality and safer aged-care. For older Australians who wish to stay at home for longer, support will be provided through an additional 10,000 home care packages at all levels.