Pauline Hanson launches an extraordinary attack on Scott Morrison claiming struggling farmers are killing themselves because they aren’t getting enough support
- Pauline Hanson launched an attack on Scott Morrison about struggling farmers
- One Nation leader claims farmers are killing themselves because lack of support
- Severe drought conditions have crippled farming communities across Australia
Pauline Hanson has claimed struggling farmers are killing themselves because Scott Morrison is failing to support them.
The One Nation leader made the comments following the Government’s expenditure review committee meeting on Wednesday to discuss drought policy.
‘I ask the Prime Minister, how many deaths will it take before you take real action and acknowledge that we have a serious problem with drought in regional and rural parts of Australia?’ she told the Courier-Mail.
‘Without proper Government assistance, Australian farmers will be forced into irreversible financial hardship and higher numbers of suicide.
Pauline Hanson (pictured) claims farmers are killing themselves because there’s not enough government support
Pauline Hanson has launched an attack on Scott Morrison (pictured) claiming struggling farmers are killing themselves because the Prime Minister is failing to support them
‘We don’t put restrictions on Centrelink payments for refugees or the unemployed, so why should we cut our farmers off at a time when they need it most.’
Senator Hanson has been pushing for a Farm Household Allowance to be given indefinitely to farmers in drought – but under current laws they can only receive welfare payments for four years.
Severe drought conditions have crippled farming communities across Australia since 2017, requiring farmers to rely on government aid, donations and relief efforts.
Last year the Australian government pledged a $190million drought package to provide relief for the affected farming communities.
Mr Williams, a truck driver, says more needs to be done to help drought-stricken communities. (pictured: A sheep drinks from a water trough in ‘Barber’s Lagoon’ on the outskirts of the north-western New South Wales)
The New South Wales government also pledged up to $1billion of drought relief measures and subsidies for farmers.
Fears have been raised over the years about the effects the has on farmers mental health.
Brian Egan, founder of farmers charity Aussie Helpers, said the drought was causing many to suffer from depression and mental illness.
Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie said the government will continue to support farmers and rural communities.
She said there would be a drought assistance announcement made in the coming weeks to further help farmers.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister’s office for comment.
Mike Williams launched a fundraiser to help struggling farmers. (pictured: a farmer in ‘Barber’s Lagoon’ on the outskirts of the north-western New South Wales)