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Federal Government extends EI assistance package

Geoff has had personal meetings and weekly discussions with Mr. McGauran and his department head Dr Conall O’Connell, who is chair of the National Management Group that is directing the EI containment and eradication effort. Geof will also meet with Minister for Small Business Fran Bailey and Tourism and Industry Minister Ian McFarlane later this week.

Minister's Press release:

EI assistance package extended to $227 million

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, today announced a $117 million extension to the Australian Government’s Equine Influenza (EI) assistance package.

“The original announcement of $110 million provided 12-weeks of assistance for people and businesses facing additional costs and significant financial hardship, as a direct result of the Equine Influenza quarantine measures.

“Today’s announcement of an additional $117 million extends this period for a further 12 weeks, in recognition of the continuing restrictions that remain in place to contain and eradicate EI,” Mr McGauran said.

The EI assistance will now be available until 8 February, 2008.

“Those individuals and businesses who are continuing to experience financial hardship will be able to receive the Equine Workers Hardship Wage Supplement for another 12 weeks and many businesses who have already accessed the Business Assistance Grant will be eligible for a further grant of $5000,” Mr McGauran said.

“Additionally, where horses are still unable to generate their normal income, the Commercial Horse Assistance Payment will also be extended for another 12 weeks.

“The funding available to eligible non-government, not-for-profit equestrian organisations has also been increased. Those organisations that have been granted assistance already may be eligible for additional assistance, where they continue to incur costs as a result of the continued restrictions on horse movements,” Mr McGauran concluded.

The financial impact of this commitment will be fully reflected in the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

Further information on the assistance measures is available at www.outbreak.gov.au, or by calling the EI assistance line on 1800 002 234.