Drought Assistance

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:20): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, representing the Minister for Primary Industries, about drought relief.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: I received an email from the Schmidt family I met recently at Worlds End, which is suffering from the drought. They pointed out that the ANZ bank is offering a 1 per cent interest rate reduction for drought-affected areas. If they were to get this, they would save $11,000 compared to the $2,800 if they were successful with the RIC drought loan. Banks have drought assistance measures in place but they are only available in drought declared areas of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

My question to the minister is: when will he formally declare parts of South Australia drought affected so families like the Schmidts can benefit and use money for maintaining stock and other expenses?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:21): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in regional South Australia. Of course, there are parts of South Australia that are suffering terribly from the current drought. Luckily, there are a few parts that are not. It is a very important question and I will refer it to my colleague the Hon. Tim Whetstone in another chamber and bring back a reply.