Federal Government recognises South Australia’s worst drought in living memory
South Australia’s worst drought in living memory has been acknowledged by Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, after he made a welcome visit to a grain and livestock producer on the Adelaide Plains on Monday.
During the visit, it was announced that a further $2 million would be made available to the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and August’s National Drought Forum would be moved from Victoria to Gawler.
Grain Producers SA (GPSA) Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said that while the additional funding contingency for RFCS is important as demand continues to rise, immediate financial support for farmers needs to follow, to address the scale and urgency of the drought gripping the state.
“The Prime Minister’s visit is a strong signal that the Federal Government recognises the severity of the challenges facing South Australia’s grain sector — but that recognition must now be matched with immediate, on-the-ground support for impacted farming families,” he said.
“This drought is not a distant threat — it’s happening right now. Many farmers are experiencing severe cash flow constraints and are being forced to make incredibly difficult decisions about their future.”
The additional $2 million in contingency funding to the RFCS will support more producers to access financial counselling and advice if they need it, but Mr Perry stressed that advice alone will not be enough.
“Boosting financial counselling services will help some producers navigate tough decisions and the RFCS is a critical support mechanism to help farmers through this difficult time, but without tangible financial relief such as low or no-interest loans, too many growers will be left without a viable path
forward,” he said. “Support must include direct mechanisms that ease financial pressure — not just prepare producers for future challenges.
“The decision to bring the National Drought Forum to South Australia is a positive gesture but gestures alone are not enough in responding to the current situation.
“What’s needed is urgent, coordinated action that delivers real relief to those feeling the effects of this drought season — not simply more long-term ‘resilience’ talk.”
Mr Perry said GPSA will continue to work with all levels of government to secure meaningful drought support measures for the state’s grain producers.
“In the immediate term, we are calling for more direct support to help producers manage household and business costs, including quick and easy to access concessional or interest-free loan options, freight assistance, council rate rebates and further mental health support that reaches the farm gate,” he said.
“In the longer term, we’re also calling for a review of the outdated Farm Household Allowance asset threshold, and for a serious look at the Regional Investment Corporation’s loan settings to ensure they’re meeting the needs of the agriculture industry.”
