Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Minister for Rural Health) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. Senator O'Sullivan has a long history of advocating for regional Queensland and understands firsthand the effect of crippling drought on our communities. As a regionally based senator and as a farmer, I know the harsh reality of drought not just on farmers but on all of those who live in affected communities, and it is really important that we remember how many of our communities are currently experiencing drought. Drought impacts community confidence and pride, and it does not discriminate. The economic and social impacts of drought can never be underestimated, and this government has a strong record of taking action on drought. Through the Drought Communities program this government is investing in projects that will help create jobs and stimulate growth. The program is providing $35 million to fund local infrastructure initiatives that provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought. To further support these impacted regions, identified local government areas will receive $1.5 million in funding to be targeted at projects that stimulate local community spending, use local resources, businesses and supplies and provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries on which they depend. Since coming to government, we have invested more than $685 million in assistance and support for Australian farmers and rural communities experiencing drought and other hardship. We have seen over $413 million approved to 778 farm businesses and 5,767 claims for farm household allowance, with $1.35 million per week on average being distributed by the coalition government. This side of the chamber knows how important it is that we support those families and businesses during drought.