The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging politicians to keep a focus on drought conditions being felt across many areas of the country.
NFF President David Jochinke said it was imperative that whoever formed Government on 3 May 2025, understood the reality being faced by many producers.
“Producers in large parts of South Australia and Victoria are entering their second year of drought, with many parts of southern New South Wales facing a very dry start for the sowing season,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Drought dries up more than land. It drains local economies, family budgets and wellbeing. It’s not just farmers who feel it, it’s entire rural and regional communities.
“The next Prime Minister must get boots on the ground and hear firsthand what farmers are up against. It’s what farmers and drought-affected communities deserve.”
Australia has well established drought policy frameworks at the Commonwealth level, but it is imperative they remain responsive to changing conditions and work in tandem with support packages at the state level.
The NFF is calling for a number of immediate actions to be taken by the next Australian Government:
The Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture tour drought-affected regions within the first 30 days of forming government.
Immediately commit to extending the Regional Investment Corporation’s loan capacity past 30 June 2026.
Immediately review Rural Financial Counselling Service funding, with an eye to increasing resourcing levels particularly in those areas facing drought conditions.
Respond to the independent review of the Regional Investment Corporation within the first 60 days of forming government.
Immediate commitment to hold the 2025 National Drought Forum in a drought-affected region in southern Australia.
The NFF and its members will also continue to work with the Government and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on further actions to support farming families in drought conditions.
“Not only are these short-term actions desperately needed, but they are consistent with Commonwealth Drought Policy and the National Drought Plan agreed to by the Commonwealth, and States and Territory Governments,” Mr Jochinke said.
“It is critical the next Prime Minister gets boots on the ground with producers to show they can listen to the challenges being faced.”
Prior to the election, the NFF has written twice to the Government seeking a public commitment to the ongoing funding of concessional lending via the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), as recommended by the Review of the operation of the Regional Investment Corporation Act 2018.
“The RIC is a central policy pillar in Australia’s drought policy architecture. Concessional lending is key to building farm business resilience.
“The NFF is also calling on Governments to work with states and territories to review the current funding of Rural Financial Counselling Services, particularly in those areas facing drought conditions, to ensure they are appropriately resourced to meet current and expected demand of producers facing hardship.”
Ashleigh Whittaker