Less than 24 hours after Minister for Agriculture bluntly stated that the Moira Shire is not eligible for the Drought Communities Program Extension, the Morrison Government has backflipped and announced a review.
Yesterday at Estimates under questioning from Labor Senator Murray Watt, Departmental officials confirmed Moira Shire in northern Victoria was not eligible for drought funding because only 16.9% of the workforce work in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
The Government’s arbitrary threshold is set at 17 percent.
Officials confirmed Moira Shire met the rainfall requirements to be classified as drought-affected.
The Mayor issued a plea that 0.1% of the workforce represents just a handful of people in his community.
Labor welcomes the Government’s move to finally review LGA eligibility for drought funding.
Scott Morrison must ensure that all LGAs affected by the Government’s arbitrary criteria are reviewed including Singleton, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Yass.