Additional drought support measures announced following PM's visit to SA

During Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to drought affected South Australia yesterday, the Albanese Labour Government announced that an extra $2 million will be put towards the Rural Financial Counselling Service so more farmers and small-related businesses have access to free and independent support when times are tough.

The $2 million investment is in addition to the $800,000 committed last week for rural financial counselling services providers in South Australia and Victoria.

The additional funding for the counselling service will enable the employment of more financial counsellors, delivering more support to people on the ground.

These extra resources will help the service providers deliver better continuity of client services with more counsellors and shorter waiting times in areas with high demand.

Prime Minister Albanese also announced that the 2025 National Drought Forum will be held at Gawler, South Australia, later this year.

Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins said the drought forum will be an important opportunity for a range of stakeholders to gather and discuss how the government can continue to address drought both now and into the future collectively.

“Farmers on the ground know the land the best, which is why we’re bringing the National Drought Forum to South Australia which is managing the real consequences of these harsh conditions,” she said.

The National Farmers Federation welcomed yesterday’s announcements but said there’s still more to be done to ensure the right supports are in place.

“The conditions have to be seen to be believed, and it means a great deal to these communities to have the PM shine a spotlight on what’s happening,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Things are really tough right now in large parts of South Australia and Victoria, as well as areas in Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia.

“We’re not just talking about dry paddocks and low rainfall. For some regions, there’s been multiple bad seasons and entire communities are under pressure.

“While it’s important we acknowledge how hard things are, and that’s what this visit helps to do, we also need to make sure the right supports are in place to help people through.

“We thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Julie Collins for showing up and listening. We hope the visit will help them see the urgency of the situation and the need for action.”

Mr Johincke said the NFF will continue to work closely with their members and the Federal Government to get support in place and drought policy right.