Robbie Katter’s bank debt bill for farmers is out for discussion with public hearings next month.
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There are actually two bills up for discussion one from the KAP and one from the state government.
The Katter’s Rural and Regional Adjustment (Development Assistance) Amendment Bill intends to rename QRAA to the Rural and Industries Development Bank (RIDB) and expand its powers to include a capacity to raise money to provide financial assistance.
Mr Katter said the aim of the bill was to foster development of a more stable, productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland.
Meanwhile the government’s Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill intends to create a new Act to mandate mediation between credit providers and farmers who default on farm business loans.
The Bill also intends to rename QRAA to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) and expand its powers to better serve rural farmers.
There are also amendments to the Biological Control Act 1987 to remove ambiguity around the classifications of viruses as targeted biological control measures, the Biosecurity Act 2014 to provide for third party biosecurity accreditation schemes, and the Drugs Misuse Act 1984 to legalise medicinal cannabis.
There are nine regional public hearings including one at Cloncurry.
It’s on Tuesday, October 4 from 10-11.30am at the TAFE Queensland North, Cloncurry Campus, 35 Ramsay Street, Cloncurry.
Information on the Committee’s inquiry, including copies of the bills and explanatory notes, its inquiry schedule and submissions received on the Rural and Regional Adjustment (Development Assistance) Amendment Bill 2016, is available on the Committee webpage.
Closing date for written submissions to the Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill is today (Thursday 29 September 2016) at 4pm. Submissions should be emailed to FAC@parliament.qld.gov.au