Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

As I mentioned in my answer earlier, we are already doing many things in this space and have for many years. We give a commitment to our farming sector and country towns that we in the Liberal-National Party will always support them through these difficult circumstances. We hope that it rains as soon as it can, but we will continue to support them over the years that this drought continues. Previously, as I mentioned, we have invested $35 million in the Drought Communities Program. We have also in previous years invested significant amounts of money in helping protect farmers and properties from the ravages of wild dogs. These are very important investments to build better fencing; it can help lambs and sheep come back into an area. That brings more employment as well. And, of course, we have provided concessional loans and household assistance payments to farmers for the last few years. Now loans have gone to more than 1,500 businesses, amounting to $850 million.