Coalition brushed aside Country Women’s Association warnings on how to get drought relief to farmers

Organisation says it is frustrated with government's use of vouchers in scheme that takes away farmers' 'dignity and choice'

The Coalition ignored warnings from the Country Women's Association before setting up a drought-assistance scheme that compels farmers to attend public events in their small communities to ask for $500 vouchers.

The federal government on Friday announced it would provide $5m to the CWA to provide drought assistance to farmers using vouchers of up to $500. Details are scant, but the CWA believes the vouchers are restricted to specific stores - a problem in small country towns where choice is limited.