Drought Assistance

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().3 April 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

1. The Malinauskas Labor government has introduced a comprehensive assistance package that includes significant support for mental health services, particularly targeting drought-affected areas.

This package includes a $2.4 million funding allocation aimed at boosting mental health and resilience among those impacted by drought.

The package includes farmer-led initiatives, flexible funding which can be tailored to community need, and ensures that services are available to all ages.

2. This package was developed following extensive consultations with farmers and industry experts, including those who participated in round tables led by Grain Producers SA. Key components of the package include:

Mental Wellbeing Access Hubs: establishing central points in 12 significantly drought-affected areas to provide targeted information, resources, and activities.

Farmer and Primary Producer Mental Health Tools: promoting tools and resources developed by and for farmers and primary producers.

Men's Tables: coordinating the establishment of Men's Tables to support high-risk populations.

Multicultural Partnerships: partnering with a multicultural peak body to deliver mental health initiatives for farming communities affected by drought, including budget for interpreting services.

Aboriginal-Community Controlled Health Organisations: providing grant funding to these organisations to deliver mental health initiatives for communities whose lands are affected by drought.

Enhanced NGO Mental Health Services: allocating $1.2 million to six service providers to enhance mental health services in drought-affected regions.

Targeted social media to the local community so they are aware how and what services they can access for assistance and support.

These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support to various communities impacted by drought, addressing their unique needs and promoting mental wellbeing.

3. The extension of funding to NGOs already active and working in drought-affected regions will ensure that services will be quickly available, providing timely support to those in need.

This funding also guarantees ongoing continuity of care through existing mental health support programs and referral pathways, both during and following the immediate drought, and extending for several years thereafter.