Closing address to 2025 National Drought Forum, Gawler

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[Acknowledgments omitted]

After two days of constructive discussions, that brings our 2025 National Drought Forum to a close.

Throughout this forum we’ve heard some really powerful insights on the impact of drought on our farmers, and our regional communities.

Communities like right here in South Australia.

We’ve heard from scientists and industry, through to community leaders and policymakers.

And of course, the voices and the priorities of our farmers have been front and centre.

Because the challenges, resilience, but also the successes of our farmers experiencing drought must shape the way we think and act.

The Albanese Labor Government understands the importance of listening to, learning from, and collaborating with our proud agricultural sector.

And we’ve shown our commitment to this since we came to government.

This National Drought Forum has been an important opportunity to build on everything we’ve heard since coming to government.

To not only take a moment and learn from each other about current challenges.

But to look to how we can all continue supporting impacted communities into the future.

We know many communities are still recovering from past droughts.

Many are currently grappling with drought.

While others are already preparing for the next one.

This work never stops for farmers, or for our Government.

That’s why, as I mentioned yesterday the Prime Minister announced just over a week ago that we’re investing an additional $1 billion to extend concessional loans delivered through the Regional Investment Corporation.

It is why I have announced that we’ll continue to deliver support through Future Drought Fund Drought Hubs.

And why we’re continuing to work with all levels of government and industry to support our farmers and impacted communities.

This morning, I joined Minister Clare Scriven to announce the continuation of the Farm Business Resilience and Regional Drought Resilience Planning programs here in South Australia – with a $30 million joint investment.

This means the future of these programs is locked in with joint support from both the Albanese Labor and South Australian Governments.

This of course follows the extension of these programs in NSW, which I announced in the last fortnight – backed by a $43.2 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

These programs have already made an enormous difference to farmers and rural communities across the country.

Because we know that drought is not just a weather event.

It’s a challenge that affects our communities, economy, and environment.

And while we can’t control the conditions farmers face day-to-day, we can control how we prepare, how we respond, how we recover from drought, and importantly, how we support each other.

When I spoke to this Forum yesterday, I started by acknowledging the strength and ingenuity of Australia’s rural and regional communities facing drought.

The stories of these communities – the adaptation, perseverance, and care for country – are what drive us forward.

And as we close this Forum, I want to acknowledge them again.

I really want to thank everyone for the constructive contributions that you have made to this Forum.

And I particularly want to thank the farmers and producers who have faced challenging conditions and shared their experiences here.

I know it can be difficult to speak openly about the kind of adversity that drought can bring.

But my commitment today as this Forum comes to a close is that our Government will take your experiences and learn from them.

It has been a privilege to be with you all over the last two days – in what was an incredibly diverse group of participants.

Thanks to each and every one of you for what you’ve brought to this forum.

Of course, my thanks again to the National Farmers’ Federation for partnering with us to deliver this important event.

As I said yesterday, this forum isn’t the start or end of our Government’s engagement with drought impacted farmers and producers.

We’ll continue listening and learning from farmers and from everyone in the room today.

I want to assure you that I will work hard every day as your federal minister for a better future for farmers and producers.