Chris Trevor (Flynn, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have a question for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Can I say before I ask that question that I am very proud to be part of a Rudd Labor government that has introduced a range of initiatives for the bush when it comes to, among other things, agriculture in rural communities. The minister, let me say, Mr Deputy Speaker, with your indulgence, is a great advocate for the bush. They will need one too, not only in the seat of Flynn but throughout the whole of Australia. As I said in my first speech, farmers are the backbone of the Australian community, but they are doing it tough—we all know that. They are experiencing the worst drought in 100 years. Some of them are suffering from floods and all of them face the ugly prospect of climate change.

In my electorate of Flynn and to the south and the west of its borders, severe drought is causing terrible pressures for the farmers in those communities. I am told by a lot of farmers out there that there will not be a hoof on the ground within three to six months. As the chairman of the Prime Minister’s country task force I am acutely aware of their difficulties. I am proud that my government has introduced initiatives in the budget that focus on enhancing productivity, investing in infrastructure such as roads, communications and regional development, and equipping rural communities and industries to better manage the effects of a changing climate.

My question to the minister is: what other measures is the government taking to assist farm families who are in serious financial difficulty or who are recovering from drought while they adapt to changing circumstances, including climate change?

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