Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, I can. Despite the current crisis, our government stands with drought and bushfire affected regional communities. Again, Senator McKenzie, as you know, we have not forgotten them. There are a range of programs available to immediately support those affected by the drought conditions, including the Farm Household Allowance, which gives farming families the assistance they need to put food on the table and has recently been given a boost due to the government's COVID-19 supplement. We also have the recently expanded Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Drought Community Support Initiative. The mental health and wellbeing support has been boosted. Concessional loans and generous taxation measures continue to be available.

We also know that drought just doesn't stop at the farm gate, which is why there are also a range of programs for communities doing it tough. The Drought Communities Program gives $1 million stimulus to councils, which allows them to boost tourism or provide additional employment through infrastructure projects. There is also additional funding for road infrastructure and more support available for schools and childcare centres that have taken a financial— (Time expired)