Drought Assistance

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries. Given that part of the $80 million drought support package announced by the Labor government included $5.5 million funding from the Future Drought Fund, how much of that $5.5 million has been provided directly to farmers and in what types of support?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:06): The Future Drought Fund is jointly funded by the federal and state government. I would hope that members opposite would be familiar with the sort of assistance that is provided. If they are not, they may wish to avail themselves of Google to be able to see the sorts of things that the Future Drought Fund assists with. I think preparedness for drought—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: I think preparedness for drought is something that many farmers have indicated they have very much appreciated over recent years. Doing things such as the regional drought resilience plans and ag resilience programs run by industry—bodies such as Livestock SA—are all valuable.

I hope those opposite are not suggesting that farmers have not been looking at preparations for drought. I know that those opposite are always looking for political points rather than constructive assistance for farmers, as well as other members of the South Australian community. The drought hubs are also part of what is funded through the Future Drought Fund, and I suggest that those opposite inform themselves.