Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ruston for her question and for her interest in this area. In the lead up to the budget, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Agriculture announced a $333 million package of drought support measures for drought affected farmers and Australians in those areas. As part of that package, $20 million will be targeted to delivering expanded social support services, in particular, to drought affected communities. It is clear from the evidence that we have seen across these communities that social support is crucial to helping farmers, farm families and rural communities to cope at this very tough time.

The drought coordinators in the Department of Human Services, who play a particularly important role, are a critical part of that support. We have had very positive responses to the five drought coordinators, who have been in place for some time and across New South Wales and Queensland. Part of the budget announcement in relation to this was to extend their tenure until 30 June 2016. Having met with recipients of the Farm Household Allowance and beneficiaries of the work of the drought coordinators, I can testify to how important their contribution is.

In addition, the budget has indicated that two more drought coordinators will be engaged from 1 July this year to service the drought affected areas in Western Australia and, particularly, in relation to Senator Ruston, the border of South Australia and Victoria, where these issues are also very prevalent, until 30 June 2016. The extension of the coordinators' terms and the addition of the two others ensures that farmers and rural Australians in the worst hit areas have continuing access to mental health services and family relationship support. (Time expired)