The MRS was first introduced by the Victorian Government in July 2005 for the 2005/06 and 2006/07 financial years.  The scheme was subsequently extended to the 2007/08 financial year.  Any decision on whether to continue the MRS beyond 2007/08 has yet to be made.

Eligibility for the MRS was based on receipt of Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments (ECRPs).  However, the MRS was not a component of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance, which is primarily funded by the Australian Government.  The Victorian Government provided the MRS for particular financial years, regardless of the term of any EC declaration.

Whilst EC declarations remain in place, eligible farmers may continue to receive ECRPs from Centrelink.  For information on EC declarations in your area, including expiry dates, call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 or go to

http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/ec