List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

3.42

The committee recommends that the Australian Government develop a deliberative, transparent process for Future Drought Fund projects and funding.

Recommendation 2

4.76

The committee recommends that the Australian Government communicate key information about drought support measures, and how to access them, in plain English.

Recommendation 3

4.77

The committee recommends that the Australian Government consolidate online information and strengthens online tools, such as the National Drought Map.

Recommendation 4

4.78

The committee recommends that the Australian Government consult and communicate closely with recipients of drought funding in the design and delivery of all its drought support projects.

Recommendation 5

4.81

The committee recommends that the Australian Government develop guiding principles for determining program eligibility for drought support programs.

Recommendation 6

4.82

The committee recommends that the Australian Government recognise the impact of drought on post-farmgate sectors and assess whether drought assistance is delivered throughout the supply chain.

Recommendation 7

4.87

The committee recommends that the Australian Government revise, simplify and streamline application processes for drought support where possible. This should include prepopulating applications with information already held by government agencies.

Recommendation 8

4.92

The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in conjunction with state and territory governments, develop an agreed set of drought indicators to be applied consistently in program design for in-drought measures.

Recommendation 9

4.94

The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish a clear framework ahead of time and based on drought indicators, to guide when, and if, the government should intervene with in-drought funding support beyond the support that is available at all times.

Recommendation 10

5.69

The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider opportunities for increased funding for mental health services and service providers in regional, rural and remote areas.

Recommendation 11

5.70

The committee recommends that the Australian Government fund research into the effectiveness of mental health services, which include a focus on outcomes such as cultural and attitudinal change.

Recommendation 12

5.71

The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in consultation with rural and regional communities, introduce measures to provide targeted mental health services for at-risk groups, including men, young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Recommendation 13

5.75

The committee recommends that the Australian Government review existing drought programs to identify further potential opportunities to support regional employment. This should include assessment of the following factors:

the possibility of decentralising public service staff;

the appropriateness of funding timeframes; and

opportunities for local workforce development.

Recommendation 14

6.42

The committee recommends that the Australian Government invest further in monitoring and evaluation practices to ensure drought measures are appropriate, targeted and effective.

Recommendation 15

6.44

The committee recommends that the Australian Government focus on the long-term financial sustainability of Local Government through increases to grant allocations, including fair increases to Financial Assistance Grants.

Recommendation 16

6.45

The committee recommends that the Australian Government utilise local government expertise to inform which future drought infrastructure initiatives are implemented based on local understanding and community needs.

Recommendation 17

6.46

The committee recommends that the Australian Government work with state, territory and local governments, industry and communities to develop a new National Drought Policy which ensures all drought-impacted farmers, irrespective of the commodity they produce, are able to access drought support. The policy should incorporate:

a nationally consistent approach to drought policy, underpinned by an intergovernmental agreement that specifies roles and responsibilities for each level of government;

a framework for jurisdictions to monitor, review and adapt drought programs with industry and local community involvement; and

relevant complementary education and personal support services, and provides farmers and rural and regional communities with a full suite of risk management tools.

Recommendation 18

7.64

The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider opportunities to expand eligibility requirements for water infrastructure funding, including the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme, to promote drought proofing and greater water security.

Recommendation 19

7.67

The committee recommends that the Australian Government direct significant public funding to research, development and extension of plant biotechnology to enhance water efficiency and reduce water wastage.

Recommendation 20

7.69

The committee recommends that the Australian Government support the establishment of the ONE Basin CRC as a centre of excellence that brings together industry, communities and research providers with complementary expertise.

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