Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Services) Share this | Hansard source

Unfortunately, there is. It comes from those on the other side of the chamber. I remain concerned that, despite the personal explanation by Senator Cameron yesterday, there doesn't seem to be a real understanding of the challenge of the drought from those on the other side. Farmers and regional communities across the nation are suffering, with families experiencing real financial hardship and emotional hardship. Small businesses in regional towns are struggling to pay the bills and keep people employed. We want to see those small businesses thrive, because, when the rain comes and the drought breaks, our farmers and our agricultural industry needs thriving regional communities to build the recovery. The government understands the challenges of regional Australia. We stand with our farmers. We stand shoulder to shoulder with affected communities until those essential rains come.