Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
The 2025 National Drought Forum opens today in Gawler, South Australia, bringing together Australia's agricultural sector to strengthen the nation's approach to drought preparedness, recovery and resilience.
Hosted by the Albanese Labor Government and National Farmers' Federation, the forum will bring together representatives from all levels of government, from industry, and the not-for-profit sector.
These groups represent farmer networks and communities affected by drought and will share insights, examine what is working, look at future challenges and identify where policy and support can be improved.
The Albanese Labor Government has already delivered more than $1 billion towards rural support and drought resilience programs since coming to government.
The Government is delivering an additional $1 billion to extend support through the Regional Investment Corporation.
The Government will continue to support farmers and regional communities, before, during and after drought, through programs that are always available so farmers can access the help they need.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"I know that Australian farmers impacted by drought are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, which is why the National Drought Forum is so important.
"This will be an opportunity to discuss drought policy on a national scale to ensure we are all responding to the hardship farmers are facing with the right policy responses.
"Hosting the National Drought Forum in Gawler will ensure we continue to deliver practical support to assist farmers in drought-impacted regions just like this.
"Our Government will continue working hard to ensure that farmers get the support they need.
"We have support that is always available across the drought cycle, to ensure farmers can access the support they need, when they need it."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"Our Aussie farmers are resilient, innovative, and unwavering in their dedication to feeding our nation, no matter how big the challenge.
"Sometimes, drought is part of life for farmers and rural communities - our Government recognises this and remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting them before, during and after drought.
"The National Drought Forum is an important opportunity to recognise current and future priorities of our farmers, to ensure we continue supporting them when times get tough."
Quotes attributable to NFF President, David Jochinke:
"The drought forum is an example of where industry and Government can work together on important issues.
"We've ensured that key producer voices, especially those living through drought right now, have been included in the forum. It's imperative producers have a voice in how drought policy intersects with succession, mental wellbeing and their communities.
"This forum isn't a box-ticking exercise. We want to have the gritty conversations to make sure drought policy evolves with changing farm businesses, climate, the economy and communities.
"Given the drought across much of southern Australia, there's no better time to put drought policy under the microscope to see what's working, what isn't, and the solutions to fix it."
