Defence could help farmers, says Payne

Defence Minister Marise Payne says the ADF is often called in during natural disasters, and has offered their services to drought-stricken farmers.

Defence Minister Marise Payne has offered the assistance of the ADF as the drought crisis worsens in Queensland and NSW.

The Australian Defence Force could help drought-stricken farmers by transporting fodder by truck or plane, she said.

Minister Payne said the defence force often helped states during natural disasters, and could transport bulk stores such as fodder to farmers, provide water sanitation and give logistical support.

"One of the things that we do have the capability to do is assist with the movement, for example, of bulk stores by air or by road," she told 2GB radio in Sydney.

"We can airdrop stores to remote areas where there's no airstrip available, and I think that's something which the states would not have the capability to do."

The NSW government on Monday announced a extra $500 million in assistance to farmers - including $190 million in transport subsidies. Ninety-nine per cent of the state is currently drought-stricken.


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Source: AAP


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