Media release

Morrison adopts Palmer’s Australia Fund

Federal leader of the United Australia Party Clive Palmer said it Brisbane today he was pleased to see the Federal Government change its position on helping struggling farmers by adopting a future fund. The fund is what the United Australia Party proposed in 2014.

Four years ago Clive Palmer introduced a private members bill known as the Australian Fund 2014.

The bill was designed to provide a fund to assist and support the Australian rural industry in times of crisis and was opposed by both Liberal and Labor.

“If it was implemented, the rural sector wouldn’t have experienced the hardships that it has faced and continues to face.

“We would have seen less hardship and fewer suicides in struggling regional communities.

“I am happy to see the PM change his position on the national crisis we are seeing in rural Australia however I am concerned that the changes won’t take place until 2020.

“I urge the PM and his Government to bring this policy into play today.

“I also hope this policy announcement isn’t politically motivated following the Government’s disastrous result in Wentworth – the Liberals’ eighth-safest seat.

“This fund is critical to our nation. Too many farmers have lost their livelihoods and they need our help today.

“My vision was to not only save livestock but also farmers and their farms which is what this fund should be designed to do.

“Agribusiness is a national asset for future generations. We have seen too many farmers doing it tough and selling up when prices are cheap.

“The Government needs to put Australia first and make Australia all it can be,’’ Mr Palmer said.