THE only thing growing in the bush these days is the paperwork.

About one fifth of farmers are in receipt of government benefits. Then there are vendor declarations when moving livestock, log books for trucks, compulsory accreditation for chemical use, proof of compliance with environmental and animal welfare laws — and the GST.

The National Farmers Federation estimates red tape is costing mixed farmers more than $30,000 a year, taking up almost three weeks’ worth of work and stripping 15 per cent from net profits. Every announcement of assistance the Howard Government makes to therural sector carries more forms.

NFF spokesman Charles McElhone said the burden of regulation and red tape on farmers was out of control.

“It desperately needs to be streamlined at a time when most farmers are facing real life difficulties,” he said. “The staggering weight of the costs, which continue to escalate at an alarming rate, are clearly unsustainable.”

Paula Rutter at the Deniliquin Rural Counselling Service fills out forms for locals. “There would be a hell of a lot of farmers who wouldn’t apply if we weren’t there to help them,” she said.

But Sussan Ley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Agriculture Minister, said the Government was not asking for an unreasonable amount of information.