“A means test attached to the Australia’s Farming Future Climate Change Adjustment program that includes the value of the family farm in the $1.5 million ceiling has meant that thousands of farmers who need assistance in adapting to climate change are automatically denied any help," Senator Scullion said.

“The new program promised farmers grants up to $5500 to fund among other things, training to update or acquire new skills to manage the risks of climate change.

“In what is becoming a pattern with this government, the Minister has again launched a program with much fanfare and self promotion, but when you read the fine print, you learn that there are strings attached that render the promise next to worthless."

Nigel Scullion is the Senator for the Northern Territory and also

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate.

“Minister Burke needs to get out of his office so he may learn that farming is a capital intensive industry," he said.

"Land, machinery and implements all add to your asset list but do not result in disposable income.

“The strong property values coupled with the prolonged drought have left many farmers in an asset rich cash poor position.

“Farmers should not have to put their future at risk with farm mortgages up to their eye balls before they are provided help with climate change.

“If our farmers are not given the help they need when they need it to ensure their long term viability then farm productivity and Australia’s food security will be placed at risk.

“Minister Burke must immediately remove the family farm from any means test so that help can be provided to all farmers to combat climate change”, Senator Scullion said.