Drought support plan goes to parliament

Household support for farmers is more than social security, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has told parliament, introducing legislation to boost drought relief.

Lump sum payments up to $12,000 for eligible households would be paid under the proposal, which was announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier this month.

Couples would receive $6000 each split over two lump sums paid in September and March, while individuals would receive $7200.

The legislation would also make farm household support available to more farmers, by raising the asset threshold test from $2.55 million to $5 million.

Mr Littleproud said the support would give farmers with little or no cashflow breathing room without putting pressure on their ability to adapt for the future.

"They will not be placed in the situation of having to urgently sell assets to support themselves, potentially to the detriment of their future," the minister said.

The financial assistance is designed to help farmers cover household expenses including food, bills and school fees.

The assistance program also provides counselling and financial advice for farmers facing hardship.

The three-year support program was extended to four years earlier this year.

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