Drought Response and Recovery Coordinator Bill 2025

The Hon. J.S. LEE (12:52): 

I rise to speak in support of the Drought Response and Recovery Coordinator Bill 2025. This bill represents a critical step forward in how we respond to and recover from drought in South Australia. As the Hon. Nicola Centofanti outlined in her second reading speech, this bill recognises that drought is not a one-off event; it is a recurring and intensifying challenge that demands a coordinated, strategic and compassionate response. It is not enough to rely on fragmented programs or ad hoc support. We need a framework that brings together government, community and industry in a unified effort and a coordinated approach.

Some honourable members, including the minister, have suggested that formal drought declarations are no longer necessary. They point to the existence of programs like the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Drought Hub as evidence that we are already doing enough. Respectfully, this view overlooks a critical reality. Formal drought declarations are not just symbolic; they are functional. They are often a trigger for external support from banks, insurers and federal agencies like the ATO. These institutions frequently require formal recognition of drought before they can offer relief such as loan deferrals, tax concessions or hardship assistance.

I note that Grain Producers SA in their press release have indicated that their survey has revealed that one in two South Australian grain producers are currently facing difficulties accessing finance or credit during the drought. They also pointed out that almost 10 per cent have actually said that their bank requires a formal drought declaration before assistance will be considered. So without a declaration, many of these supports remain out of reach for those who need them the most. This bill provides a legal and administrative framework to make those declarations in a timely, transparent and evidence-based way. It ensures that we can activate not just state support but also unlock the broader ecosystem of assistance that our communities rely on.

In response to growing pressures, I note that the government has taken some steps and appointed a Commissioner for Drought Support, Mr Alex Zimmerman, to assist with managing the drought response. While this is a welcome acknowledgement of the seriousness of the situation, it is important to recognise that this role is not underpinned by legislation. It does not come with the statutory authority, transparency or accountability mechanisms that this bill provides.

This bill goes further. It establishes a legally defined role with clear responsibilities, oversight and the power to coordinate across government and community. It ensures that drought declarations are made transparently and that support is delivered efficiently, not just through goodwill but through a structural and enduring framework. It also recognises the importance of the supply chain in drought response.

From hay deliveries to water carting and mental health services to concessional loans, the bill enables a coordinated approach that supports not just farmers but the entire network of people and organisations who keep our rural communities functioning. It allows for charities and community groups, those on the frontlines of drought relief, to be supported in delivering aid when it is needed most, in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Crucially, this bill establishes a state drought response and recovery fund, a dedicated pool of resources that support drought-affected communities. This fund must be accessible to all farmers in need, regardless of their size, location or sector. Whether it is freight subsidies, concessional loans or mental health support, the fund should be a lifeline, not just more red tape. It must be administered with fairness, transparency and urgency.

I acknowledge that there are existing programs, such as the On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme and the Rural Business Support Relief Fund that the minister has mentioned. These are well intentioned, but they fall short of what is needed right now. The rebate scheme requires farmers to spend money up front, funds they may simply lack, before they can claim a portion back. It is a long-term resilience tool, not a short-term cash flow solution.

The Rural Business Support relief program offers only up to $1,500 per family, which may help with utility bills or a grocery run, but it is not going to keep a farm business afloat or a supply chain moving. While every bit of support helps, the scale of need across our state far exceeds what small one-off grants can address.

I also want to address the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program. It is a valuable initiative when we are planning—planning—for drought, but we are way past preparing. Our entire state is in drought. The minister acknowledged that in her opening statement early in her speech. Our farmers and the supply chains that they are part of need ongoing relief and support to recover, not just more paperwork.

This bill delivers that more comprehensive support, with the structure and authority to act decisively. This is a bill about supporting our farmers, ensuring centralised coordination and prioritising compassion. It give us a tool to act not just for when the crisis hits but before it deepens.

With those remarks, I support the bill and believe that it will support our farming communities who are in deep crisis.