Burrumbuttock Hay Runners organiser says ditch foreign aid and give it to farmers
One of the organisers of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners has called on the Australian government to recall $25 million in foreign aid given to Iraq and Syria and hand it to drought-riddled farmers.
Brendan Farrell, who organised a convoy of 4,500 hay bales to be trucked to needy Queensland famers, posted a video to Facebook as he called for more money to be given to farmers.
"Look, I'm starting to get a little annoyed," Mr Farrell says to the camera.
"We're doing these hay runs and raising money truck drivers and truck companies probably to get 1,500 bucks in fuel each to drive 1,800 ks to drop donated hay off to famers in dire straights," Mr Farrell says.
"But then I've just seen that (Foreign Minister) Julia Bishop (sic) or whatever her name is, has just decided to give another $25 million to Syria."
The truckie-farmer then says it was time to "take a good hard look out ourselves" and remember that is "taxpayers' money that's going overseas".
He adds if money continues to go overseas Australia "will end up like Syria – stuffed."
The post received a mixed response on Facebook with a fierce debate sparked between supporters of Mr Farrell's statement and others who say Australia should be helping in Syria and Iraq.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said in a statement the Coalition government has given farmers $670 million in assistance and drought-relief packages.
The $25 million in aid announced last week comes on the back of $44 million in aid given last year.
Meanwhile, Germany will deliver $3.5 billion in aid to the region by 2018. The UK has pledged $2.3 billion and the US $1.3 billion.
In September 2014, then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the military mission against ISIS in Iraq and Syria were Australia's air force was deployed would cost about $500 million a year.
Since 1999 the Australian Defence Force has spent more than $15 billion on military missions with majority going to engagements in the Middle East.
News break – February 7
