The Australian Government’s Drought Bus is wrapping up its tour of Southern Queensland and is now headed further north to speak with local farmers and small businesses about the range of drought support available.

“To make it easier for farmers to access drought assistance payments and other support services, the Drought Bus is taking Australian Government services directly to the people in some of the worst drought-affected regions of the country,” Centrelink Rural Service Office, Jeff McColl said.

“Specialised Centrelink staff, including Rural Service Officers and social workers, are available to provide counselling and support. We work in rural communities and understand what farmers are going through.

“We know many farmers are struggling to cope – both emotionally and financially. We want them to understand there is support available.”

The Australian Government’s recently announced measures take the Government’s total commitment to drought assistance to $2.3 billion.

See the attachment for the entire press release and the drought bus schedule, or visit the Centrelink website.