EC FOR GULF – AT LAST

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Following my questioning of the Minster and Departmental officials at Senate Estimates Committees on Monday, I am delighted that the Government has today announced the granting of Exceptional Circumstance relief for landholders in the Gulf.

As I have continually said in the Parliament, the Government should be condemned for taking over 12 months to address this issue.

However it is better late than never and I am delighted that my constant references to the issue in Parliament and at Estimates Committees have at last borne fruit.

Without constant badgering by the Opposition, I am confident that this application would have disappeared into the ether.

Certainly it does not take that long for Exceptional Circumstances declaration in areas closer to large population centres.

People in the North West of Queensland have stoically put up with their difficulties for more than a year and I am elated they are now getting some recognition from the Government.

I thank Minister Tony Burke for heading the calls from myself and the people and organisations of the North West for desperately needed assistance.

I hope that the assistance will allow the start to the rebuilding of the lives and dreams of so many families of the Gulf.

END

10 February 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255                                           

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