Drought Assistance

In reply to Mr McBRIDE (MacKillop) (16 October 2024).

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Treasurer, Minister for Defence and Space Industries): I have been advised:

In the 1990's exceptional circumstance declarations were made which triggered support such as exceptional circumstances payments. In 2012 the Australian government ceased making drought declarations. We now have the National Drought Agreement; through this agreement the Australian, state and territory governments have agreed that support provided should be based on need, rather than be activated by drought declarations.

The Australian and South Australian governments have a range of support always available for primary producers who are experiencing hardship of any sort, including the impacts of drought. This includes financial support through the Farm Household Allowance.

To inform the South Australian government's response to these drought conditions, PIRSA has convened a Drought Advisory Group and has set up roundtables across the state to hear in person from stakeholders and producers about their concerns and avenues of support.