Attorney-General to talk to Minister for Ag
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has assured Member for Riverina Michael McCormack he will speak to Minister for Agriculture Joe Ludwig about the devastation to Riverina grain crops.
Mr McClelland was in Wagga Wagga today to assess the current Murrumbidgee River flood crisis and discussed the crop damage with Mr McCormack.
Heavy rain, the most recent of which fell on Thursday night, has taken its toll on Riverina crops as well as those throughout other regions in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
"Farmers, having endured more than a decade of drought, were looking forward to a bumper harvest this year and all the signs looked good until the recent torrential rain," Mr McCormack said.
"I wrote to the Agriculture Minister last week asking that he visit the region and see firsthand the damage to crops.
"I am pleased Federal funding will be provided for flood victims and ask that help also be given to farmers who need assistance after again missing out on an income from an annual crop."
Mr McCormack said Mr McClelland told him he would take up his concerns at the Government's Cabinet meeting, being held in Canberra today and tomorrow.
Mr McCormack met with NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today about the current flood situation before inspecting river levels near Wiradjuri Bridge with the State Leader and Minister.