THE introduction of a national body to administer the Commonwealth government’s concessional loans programs, if the coalition is re-elected, would be welcomed by Livestock SA.
Livestock SA president Geoff Power says the current situation where concessional loans and the drought recovery loans are administered by each state is unsatisfactory.
“By creating a national body to administer the loans the process should be accelerated,” he said.
“Drought is a national issue so it makes sense that the federal government takes control.
“The loan repayments are interest-only for the first five years and then principal and interest for the remaining five years, which would be a great fit for producers.”
Mr Power said, although he was thrilled with the thought of the body for fair and equitable access to the loans, he was disappointed South East producers had so far been ruled ineligible.
“The SE is a highly productive area so it is appropriate for the loans to be available when the region is a significant contributor to the state’s economy,” he said.
