Drought resources

7 November 2025

Video duration: 3mins 37 secs

Introduction

This is the transcript of a video produced by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry. The video addresses common questions and information about Australian Government drought policy and support measures.

[Recording begins]

Mel Brown [00 :07- 00:43]
The Australian Government is committed to supporting farmers and regional communities to prepare for, manage through and recover from drought. Drought can have wide reaching impacts, not just on farms, but on families and communities and with climate change, droughts are expected to become more frequent, widespread and severe in some regions. That's why we, the Australian government, take a long term, structured approach to drought, supporting Australians at every stage of the drought cycle. This cycle guides the development of our drought policies and programs, ensuring the right support is available when and where it's needed.

Courtney Bryant [0:44 – 01:42]
Let's take a closer look at our drought policy framework. It begins with the National Drought Agreement or NDA, a partnership between the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments. This agreement allows for a consistent, collaborative approach to drought policy across the country. It clearly defines the roles of the Australian government and the roles of state and territory governments who lead on the ground drought response in their jurisdictions, including managing animal welfare and natural resource issues. Sitting under the NDA is the Australian Government Drought Plan. This outlines how we will deliver on our NDA commitments. The plan includes details about how we will monitor and respond as conditions change, as well as the programs we offer. The Australian government no longer makes drought declarations. Instead, we offer a range of programs and support that are always available, so farmers and communities don't have to wait for a declaration to get help. They can access support they need when they decide they need it. Our message is simple know your options and apply early.

Mel Brown [01:43-02:29]
The programs we offer aim to help farmers prepare for drought and become more self-reliant, but also provide support in the tough times as even the most prepared can face difficult times and decisions. Opportunities provided by the Future Drought Fund, such as the Farm Business Resilience Program and through the Drought Resilience, Adoption and Innovation Hubs, help farmers plan, adapt and build resilience to the effects of drought and climate change. The Farm Management Deposit Scheme helps farmers build financial buffers in high income years to draw on in tough ones. And for those facing hardship, the Farm Household Allowance provides payments, personal loans, case management support and training.

Courtney Bryant [02:30-03:00]
The Rural Financial Counselling Service is a free, independent service that can provide support tailored to your farm business. And RIC loans, which are concessional loans, can help farmers in need prepare for, manage through and recover from drought. We also support mental health and small business wellbeing through primary health networks, Medicare mental health centres and the Small Business Debt Helpline.

Mel Brown [03:03-03:16]
Drought is a shared responsibility. We work closely with state and territory governments in the farm and finance sectors, charities and community organisations to help farmers and regional communities prepare for and manage drought.

Courtney Bryant [03:17]
If you want to stay engaged and up to date, please join our National Drought Network, which is open to anyone. The Australian Government is here to support farmers and regional communities to prepare for, manage through and recover from drought. Support is available now. Visit drought.gov.au to learn more and access resources.

Recording ends [3:37]

End screen displays the website drought.gov.au for more information. Also says the project is funded by the Australian

Government and the DAFF logo is also displayed.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continuing connection to land and sea, waters, environment and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands we live and work on, their culture, and their Elders past and present.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2023

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The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication. Notwithstanding, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, its employees and advisers disclaim all liability, including liability for negligence and for any loss, damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing, using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law.