Drought Assistance

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:34): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question on the topic of mental health assistance to drought-affected communities to the minister representing the Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: With South Australia in the midst of a drought, some places in the Mid North and the Yorke Peninsula have recorded the lowest yearly rainfalls on record. Farmers are struggling to feed their stock, and grain growers are having lower yields. UniSA research shows that droughts are becoming longer and more severe in our state of South Australia. There have been multiple studies done showing the impacts that droughts can have on the mental health of people in regional and rural communities, including increasing suicide.

Grain Producers SA recently held a round table to identify existing services, current gaps and further mental health and wellbeing needs of affected communities. Feedback suggested that existing programs are working, but more needs to be done. My questions to the minister, therefore, are:

1. Will the government ensure that there is funding to continue existing farmer-led support and early intervention, mental health and wellbeing services?

2. Will the government continue to work with Grain Producers SA, other primary producer groups and communities to establish farmer-led support and early intervention services?

3. Can the government assure South Australians that any programs or services established during the drought will not be abandoned once the current drought conditions are over?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for her questions. I certainly will pass them on to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing in another place and bring back a reply for the honourable member.