Perin Davey (NSW, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators McKenzie, Canavan and McMahon, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) that many drought affected communities in the eastern states have recently seen much ­needed rainfall, and many farmers are reporting good winter crops,

  (ii) that severe drought remains in many parts of western New South Wales and southern Queensland, and Western Australia is coming into drought,

  (iii) that farmers and their communities will continue to need support, both during drought and in the recovery, and

  (iv) the importance of developing programs that contribute to boosting community leadership, connectedness and collaboration, which build drought resilience;

(b) commends the Liberal and National Government for committing more than $10.8 billion to farmers and communities in drought, including more than $300 million through the Drought Communities Program, more than $460 million through the Farm Household Allowance, and $180 million through the Drought Communities Support Initiative; and

(c) also commends the Liberal and National Government for further support in helping communities build drought resilience through the:

  (i) Networks to build Drought Resilience Program, which will increase the presence and reach of community networks working together to build drought resilience, and

  (ii) Drought Resilience Leaders Program, which will provide drought resilience leadership courses to young and emerging leaders in rural, regional and remote communities.