Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

What is clear here is that those opposite do not want to allow farmers to have a 4.5 per cent concessional loan. That is what we are providing: a concessional loan at 4.5 per cent for five years, for $420 million in total. It is a real boost for farmers to deal with some of those headwinds in the field.

We have asked the states to look at how they could provide assistance in delivering those 4.5 per cent concessional loans for farming—a reasonable request for them to look at how they could provide that assistance. The 4.5 per cent concessional rate does give a generous discount against commercial rates and at the same time manages the risk of default and represents responsible use of public money. What we have asked is that the states then give us a little bit of assistance. (Time expired)