Horse Flu Assistance Extended

Australian Government assistance has been extended to people affected by equine influenza horse movement restrictions. Federal Minister For Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Tony Burke announced assistance "has been extended for those in restricted zones until March 14 or until movement restrictions are lifted". Burke noted: "While eradication of equine influenza from Australia is on track, many businesses & individuals still face hardship due to the continuing standstill. After consulting with horse industry stake-holders, I have decided to extend the Equine Workers Hardship Wage Supplement Payment, the Business Assistance Grant & the Commercial Horse Assistance Payment. This Equine Influenza Assistance Package has gone a long way to reducing the overall impact since the outbreak occurred. I am sure the decision to extend this assistance will be welcomed by people doing business in the areas affected by the continued movement restrictions."