Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

Your state of New South Wales has been dealing with drought for years and is now faced with the ongoing threat of bushfires, Senator Davey. These difficulties are being felt right across our country, as the drought continues to spread and the disasters follow. These are real issues affecting real people in regional Australia, and it is our government that is offering real and tangible support in real time. For those affected by bushfires, we've got the disaster recovery payment: $1,000 for eligible adults; $400 for eligible students. That is actual support going into communities right now. We've stepped up our response to the drought recently, recognising that it doesn't just stop at the farm gate. We've got support for communities, small business loan packages, farm household allowance expansion and simplification, rural financial counselling services and more mental health and wellbeing services, in addition to a $200 million drought-specific BBRF round. (Time expired)