AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2000
QLD: Cane growers optimistic about federal package
BRISBANE, Aug 23 AAP - Queensland's economically battered cane farmers were confident
of getting essential financial help from the federal government, Canegrowers' chairman
Harry Bonanno said today.
Federal cabinet yesterday endorsed a financial package but was still to decide how
it would be implemented.
The sugar industry has put submissions for assistance following record low world prices,
and crop damage from disease and flooding.
"Media reports today of a $100 million rescue package are somewhat premature in that
a high-level Cabinet committee apparently has been appointed to formulate the details,
probably by the end of this week," Mr Bonanno said.
The committee, understood to comprise Prime Minister John Howard, Deputy Prime Minister
John Anderson, Treasurer Peter Costello and Agriculture Minister Warren Truss, will decide
the final structure of the government proposal, Mr Bonanno said.
"Canegrowers will reserve judgment until the details are known," he said.
But the assistance would help growers replant for the 2001 crop and allow the industry
to take advantage of rising world prices.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk criticised the federal government,
claiming the delay was unacceptable.
The Queensland Government had already offered a $10 million assistance plan and had
asked the federal government to add $20 million.
"The federal government has not followed Queensland's lead," Mr Palaszczuk said.
AAP geb/sc/cd/bwl
KEYWORD: SUGAR QLD LEAD
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