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Sugar plan fails but levy stays
29 Sep 2003
Consumers will continue to pay the Federal Government's retail sugar levy into the foreseeable future despite the collapse of the industry rescue plan. From September 30, sugarcane farmers will lose the income support payments introduced in 2002 as part of a $120 million assistance package. The scheme has been stalled by disagreement between the Queensland and Federal Governments over the extent of sugar industry restructuring, but the Federal Agriculture Minister, Warren Truss, has confirmed that consumers will continue paying the 3c-a-kilogram levy introduced at the start of 2003 to pay for the package.
Mr Truss said the Government has already spent about $20 million on income support and on a new plan for the industry, with only about $3 million having been collected from the levy.
A spokesman for the Minister said families still in need of income support can apply for assistance through the Farm Help program at Centrelink.
The Courier-Mail, 29/9/03, page 1.
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