Drought Assistance

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (15:00): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister speak to the chamber about the state government's $73 million drought support package announced earlier this month?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:00): I thank the honourable member for her question. As I mention regularly in this place, agriculture is a vital part of our state's economy and the importance of farmers to regional communities and to our state as a whole cannot be underestimated. Primary producers in South Australia are currently facing extreme challenges with one of the worst production seasons in many years, as drought conditions combine with other compounding issues such as frost, biosecurity outbreaks and market declines or disruptions.

When the Premier and I announced the state government's $18 million drought support package in November last year, we committed to monitoring conditions and to tailoring future support as necessary. Unfortunately, of course, drought conditions have not abated. Since last year, the government has worked closely with primary producers, industry and the communities affected by drought to ensure drought support measures are carefully and thoughtfully designed to target those most in need.

Since last year, the government has hosted seven regional round tables across the state to engage directly with farmers in their own regions. The Drought Advisory Group, comprising representatives from key industry bodies, has met 10 times. We have hosted a drought finance forum with major banks and a drought forum for regional councils, and the government held an emergency management cabinet committee meeting about drought. The Premier hosted a drought round table with industry and farmers, and the Premier and I have met with farmers on-farm at multiple locations.

Our engagement with stakeholders, industry, farmers and regional community representatives culminated in the additional $55 million announced in drought support on 8 April at the property of farmer John Lush. Our additional support brings state government drought funding to over $73 million. The package is wideranging and comprehensive and comprises the following measures:

$18 million for on-farm drought infrastructure grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions as well as strengthen drought preparedness;

$6 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock;

immediate financial relief by providing rebates for emergency services levy and commercial vehicle registration fees for primary producers receiving the commonwealth's Farm Household Allowance;

$3.5 million for an immediate and comprehensive strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought-affected areas;

$1 million additional for rural financial counselling support;

$3.5 million in additional support for rural small businesses;

$3.1 million to assist with pest management;

$4.5 million to support producers with the implementation of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats;

$1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes;

$1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu;

$500,000 to make bulk water available from Bundaleer and Beetaloo reserves;

$2 million to assist sport and recreation clubs in drought-affected areas through the Active Club Program;

$400,000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought-affected areas through the Regional Event Fund;

$250,000 to provide financial support for country students affected by drought to attend such things as camps and excursions; and

$500,000 for grants of up to $5,000 each for the Connecting Communities Events Program for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support.

The commonwealth government and the state government also partner in the Future Drought Fund, to which we have committed a further $17.4 million in funding over four years.

The Future Drought Fund is an incredibly important initiative, providing funding for drought preparedness and resilience programs, including the development of regional drought resilience programs in partnership with RDAs and the Farm Business Resilience Program. The commonwealth government of course also provides support through the Farm Household Allowance, the Farm Management Deposit Scheme, low interest loans through the Regional Investment Corporation, income tax averaging and other primary producer concessions.

This government values our farmers, who feed our state, our country and the world. I am glad to show the government's support of our primary producers during these challenging times through this comprehensive support package.