Farm debt mediation scheme for Tasmania is long overdue says banking victim

Tasmanian farmers in financial strife will have access to an independent mediator during debt discussions with their creditors.

The new legislated Farm Debt Mediation scheme is based on the NSW model, operating for the last 25 years.

Under this proposal, farmers can initiate the mediation process, whether they are in financial default or not.

Under the scheme, mediation costs would be shared equally between the farmer and creditor.

The push to set up a local scheme was triggered by Commissioner Kenneth Haynes 2019 in his report into the banking and…