Support Arrives for Fire and Flood Victims
AUSTRALIA - The Rudd Government has joined forces with Australia’s stock and station agents and saleyards to provide further support to victims of the Victorian bushfires and the Queensland floods.Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke congratulated the livestock industry for deciding to dedicate the proceeds of livestock sales this week to fire and flood victims.
Agents and saleyards have also agreed to waive their fees on the sale of cattle, sheep and goats for the appeal, which will run from 23 to 27 February.
Further, the Rudd Government will waive levies on those transactions which are normally collected to help fund marketing and research and development, if the proceeds are going to the appeal.
The initiative is part of National Livestock Action Week, with the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) calling on producers to donate livestock for sale at auction.
“This is another example of the extraordinary generosity of Australia’s farmers – reaching out to help others while they struggle themselves with drought or floods,” Mr Burke said.
“Right from the start of these disasters, farmers across the nation swung into action, donating money and fodder and offering whatever assistance they could.
“The Government was happy to back this campaign and waive the normal research and marketing fees to help those who need it most.”
Mr Burke thanked the recipients of the Government levies for supporting the initiative - Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd, Animal Health Australia Ltd, National Residue Survey and the red meat industry's peak councils.
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