Address at More than an industry: South Australia's Agribusiness, food and wine sector Adelaide

[Acknowledgments omitted]

That’s why I’m so pleased to be reappointed as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to continue our Government’s important work.  

Since coming to Government in 2022 we have been delivering for Australian farmers and producers.   

Strengthening biosecurity.   

Boosting the ag workforce.  

Opening up new trade opportunities.   

Australia’s network of free trade agreements has continued to deliver valuable opportunities for our red meat, grain, seafood, wine, horticulture and other agricultural industries.  

These include agreements with the United Kingdom and India, and the recently signed trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which will deliver even more market access opportunities when implemented.    

The central message here is that the world wants our produce, and our government is laser focussed on ensuring that we can take advantage of these opportunities.   

Our Government has also been working hard to secure long-term, predictable and sustainable funding to protect our country.  

Our biosecurity systems are world-renowned for good reason – Australia remains one of few countries free from the world’s most invasive pests and diseases thanks greatly to the success of these systems.   

We will continue working hard to advocate for Australian agriculture on the global stage and will not compromise on getting good outcomes for Aussie farmers.    

We’ve already seen this year’s ABARES figures pointing towards an increase in farm cash income on average across the country. 

But we know that many farmers have been dealing with the fallout of severe weather patterns – whether that’s dry conditions here in South Australia, or flooding rains to our north. 

Here in South Australia this impact is being felt not only on yields, sale numbers and profit; but on people and communities.  

I’ve met with people from these communities, and they’ve shared with me some of what they’re trying to deal with – making decisions about feed and water, managing livestock, stretching finances and being faced with tough decisions about how to get through and keep food on the table.  

Australia’s farmers are resilient, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t or won’t have a significant impact on people, businesses, families and communities.  

Drought in this country is always a case of when, not if.   

We know that, and that’s why we make sure support is always available for farmers, no matter where you live or the conditions that you are facing.  

We have support that is always available across the drought cycle, to ensure farmers can access support based on their individual business needs at that time.  

ur government’s $1 billion rural support and drought resilience package has helped farmers to prepare, adapt and respond to drought as our climate continues to change.  

South Australian farmers – and farmers across the country - can reach out for the assistance they need, when they need it.    

Dry conditions don’t hit everyone at the same time, and while we’re watching drought grip this state right now – not everyone experiences hardship in the same way.  

That’s why, rather than being triggered by declarations or stood up when conditions deteriorate, our programs are always available.    

As a government, we want to help farmers build drought resilience by creating programs to help with preparedness, risk management and financial self-reliance.  

But we know that sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you prepare. That’s when we make sure there is a safety net available for those in need.   

This is why our programs and support are always available when they’re needed.   

We also understand that we, as government, can’t solve drought. We can’t make it rain, and we can’t work alone without the support of our state counterparts.   

We all have a role to play when responding to the challenges of drought. Thats why it’s important that I’m here today, working and listening to you all, to ensure we manage through this working together.  

Support programs that farmers can access right now include:  

• drawing down on their Farm Management Deposits,  
• accessing the Rural Financial Counselling Service for support,   
• seeking a concessional loan via the RIC (Regional Investment Corporation); and  
• when individuals have taken a significant financial hit, accessing the Farm Household Allowance.   

Farm Management Deposits are a means for farmers to set aside income, pre-tax, that can be drawn down when needed later on.

It’s there for the hard times and it means farmers can have their own money working for them when they need it.

And this money can be used for anything related to their farm business.  

The aggregated value of deposits held by producers in South Australia totals more than $942 million, with around 6,149 Farm Management Deposit accounts.  

The Regional Investment Corporation, or RIC, has loans available to help farmers prepare for, manage through and recover from drought. It’s support that can carry our farmers through all stages of the drought cycle.  

More than $329 million worth of RIC loans, across 343 loans, are currently helping South Australians.   

Free and confidential financial counselling is on hand through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

They can help with business and financial decision-making to improve your financial situation. They will listen to your financial problems and provide support that is specific to your circumstances.  

And when times are getting very difficult, the Farm Household Allowance is there to keep food on the table and the lights on.  

Approximately 870 people in South Australia are currently receiving the Farm Household Allowance.    

I know it’s hard. When farming is your livelihood and your way of life, drought affects everything.  

But I want you to know that the Albanese Labor Government has your back. We are listening, and we are committed to supporting you and your families.  

Farmers in their hundreds have been reaching out to the services on offer, and I’m glad that people are getting the support they need.   

Sometimes admitting that you need help – whether that’s a loan or the allowance or even just a chat with a financial counsellor – can be the toughest part.   

You don’t have to go it alone. Talk to your bank, accountant, farm advisers and industry groups, community and other not-for-profit organisations about their options.  

Talk to each other, and talk to us. I am here to listen, to learn, to ensure that the support we have on offer is working how it should and to figure out what else will help.  

Thank you all for your time today.