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Farm Sitters Australia

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About this Item
Subjects -  Rural Conditions
Speakers - Gay The Hon Duncan
Business - Adjournment, Motion


    FARM SITTERS AUSTRALIA
Page: 3584


    The Hon. DUNCAN GAY (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) [8.00 p.m.]: In the brief period that remains for this debate, I wish to draw to the attention of this House an excellent organisation, Farm Sitters Australia. During the current drought, it is problematic for people to leave their farms. Farm Sitters provides a farm caretaking service. Farmers who have moved off their land to relocate to the coast want to be able to go to farmers who are persevering and say, "We want to help you. Why don't we exchange houses?" The exchange could provide welcome relief for farmers who cannot spare the money to take a holiday or to employ someone as a caretaker. They will be able to swap houses and take a break on the coast.

    Although it might be difficult for some people to understand why farmers would want to leave dusty and drought conditions to relocate to the coast after they have handed their farm over to their children, many farmers do, and they retain their tremendous expertise. Phillip Kelly is a businessman at Landmark in Inverell. He and his wife have set up Farm Sitters Australia to help farmers. I heartily congratulate them because more than anything else, during this drought, it is important for people to phone their friends on the land to let them know they support them.

    [Time for debate expired.]

    Motion agreed to.
    The House adjourned at 8.01 p.m. until Tuesday 14 November 2006 at 2.30 p.m.



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