Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to primary producer grants in New South Wales, they have been available in 49 local government areas, 2,236 applications have been received and 1,341 grants have been approved, worth some $84.6 million. In fact, what has been occurring with the primary producer grants is they've been running ahead of what our estimate has been for the provision of those grants to primary producers. There is certainly eligibility criteria, which I would think the Leader of the Opposition would think is necessary. When you provide any grant programs, there are eligibility criteria that apply to those grants. But I know that those primary producer grants have been incredibly important to those who have been able to receive them and have been eligible for those grants because it is assisting them as they're able to restock their properties and deal with the significant damage. It's some $75,000 that those grants apply to. I've seen firsthand their benefit across Australia, including in those communities that the member refers to. But I've also seen how they were applied in earlier times in relation to other disasters, such as the floods in North Queensland. But the minister for agriculture has further information that he can provide to assist the member with his inquiry.

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