The long-term advocate for rural debt reform said regional Queensland could expect to see the presence of the taskforce immediately with hearings in the coming weeks.

 “All too often the conversation becomes about live export or the drought, all big issues but not the sum total of the problem,” Mr Katter said.

“We believe the issue of rural debt is structural and long term, there are solutions out there.”

Mr Katter said he ultimately hoped the taskforce would be able to provide the Queensland State Government with fresh solutions to a serious problem. 

 “We have people part of the task force who are familiar with the issue and aren’t going to feed us more of the same, we have heard that for years,” Mr Katter said.

“We are breathing new life into this issue and are looking to hear from all stakeholders, from farmers to local business owners and councils”.  

“Until now we have continued to revisit the same paths. This is Queensland’s chance to explore real options, not just to be told again and again that the current drought assistance is working.”

The first task force meeting followed the Rural Debt Banking roundtable organised by the Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt.

Taskforce members joined senior executives from Australia’s major banks with the Australian Bankers' Association, the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) and Queensland Treasury Corporation to speak about the financial condition of the agricultural sector. 

“There were people willing to acknowledge and address the issues, which is positive,” Mr Katter said.

“I believe the government also has a large part to play in finding the answer.”

Mr Katter was also pleased to announce that public submissions for the Taskforce are now open.

“All hands on deck and would love as many people as possible to be part of this,” he said.

The public submissions can be made in writing via: ruraldebtsecretariat@daf.qld.gov.au

The Terms of Reference can be read at: www.qld.gov.au/ruraldebttaskforce.