The Tasmanian Government has committed to introducing a legislated farm debt mediation scheme in Tasmania that will help farmers in financial stress deal with their creditors.
The Farm Debt Mediation scheme will provide:
a structured negotiation process with a neutral and independent mediator to help farmers and lenders communicate effectively and come to a formal agreement about the management of farm debts
an efficient, inexpensive and fair process for resolving debt problems early, as an alternative to a drawn-out, expensive and stressful court process for farmers and lenders
assistance to address power imbalances that may exist between stressed farm businesses and their creditors
resources to farmers to help them negotiate their own protections when dealing with lenders
the statutory right to participate in mediation before creditors can take enforcement action
Public Consultation
Public consultation has closed but the consultation paper is still available:
Proposed Legislated Farm Debt Mediation Consultation Paper (DOCX 143Kb)