Election-timed drought response raises serious questions

Election-timed drought response raises serious questions

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP says the timing of the Malinauskas Government’s drought assistance announcement raises serious questions, coming only as the State heads towards an election.

“It is disappointing that it has taken an upcoming election for the State Labor Government to act to support drought-affected farmers,” Mr Pasin said.

“Producers across South Australia have been in drought for more than two years. They have been calling for help while conditions deteriorated, yet meaningful action has only just arrived now as part on an election campaign. Even for the Malinauskas Government that is well known for prioritising spin over substance, that is a new low.”

Mr Pasin said while any assistance for farmers is welcome, the delay has been a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

“Droughts don’t operate on election cycles. Support should be timely and responsive to conditions on the ground, not driven by political opportunism.”

“It was particularly gruelling to watch SA farmers suffer while this support was made available in other states as a matter of course.”

He said the announcement will be welcomed by producers, but many will rightly ask why this level of support was not delivered earlier, when it could have prevented some of the hardship now being experienced.

“Drought assistance works best when it is provided early, is practical, and focuses on keeping farms viable,” Mr Pasin said.

“Farmers deserve our support when they need it most, not months later when the damage is already done to satisfy a political imperative.”