Farmers are being urged to help re-shape Australia’s drought assistance policy at a series of public meetings being held in rural centres around the country.
The Productivity Commission is this week visiting centres in Queensland as part of a broader review of drought policy that also includes the social impacts of drought, an issue which will be discussed at a series of meetings in NSW this week.
The broader investigation also includes a scientific assessment of what a changing climate means for drought in Australia and the measures that trigger assistance.
AgForce senior policy advisor Sue Dillon said the Federal Government's climate change agenda and national exposure to drought assistance during the past five years meant there was no doubt that existing drought policy would be subjected to intense scrutiny.
State and Federal primary industries ministers have already agreed that drought policy must be improved to create an environment of self-reliance and preparedness and to encourage the adoption of appropriate climate change management practices.
"This is a critical point in the review of drought policy and it is vital that industry engages in this opportunity to mould future Government initiatives in this arena," Ms Dillon said.
"We urge producers to log on to www.daff.gov.au and look under drought to familiarise themselves with the reviews, and take up the opportunity to meet with the review panels or lodge a written submission.
"The three reviews that are underway (economic, social and scientific) provide industry with an excellent opportunity to suggest practical, proactive measures for dealing with climate variability in the future – fresh thinking, better ways of assisting producers."
NSW Farmers' Association president Jock Laurie says farmers, business operators, social support service providers and other community members should attend the forums and share their experiences of the social impact of the ongoing drought.
"The Expert Social Panel is travelling around the country looking for this input as part of the Government's national review of drought policy, with the aim of determining the types of social support people value in times of drought," Mr Laurie said.
"People are being asked what social support services they think are working well, how to do it better and what else needs to be made available when it comes to community support."
Mr Laurie says the Association believes the social review is critical in the context of the national drought policy review.
"Of particular significance are the roles that farmers play in the social fabric of smaller regional communities, supporting local schools, sporting clubs, businesses and community groups," he said.
"Without the ongoing existence of farmers in these communities the very community that was built around them will collapse."
* Anyone who cannot attend the meetings personally can lodge a written submission. For more information, and for location details go to the National Review of Drought Policy’s website at www.daff.gov.au/droughtpolicyreview or call 1800 200 876 or email droughtpolicyreview@daff.gov.au.
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