It’s a dry argument

The drought issue has existed for decades.

There was renewed focus in May through the drought summit held by the NSW Farmers' Association. The event generated national attention: it would be nice to think it also brought the rain. But, it didn’t. It did attracted comments from John Anderson, and moved John Howard to visit the southwest of NSW to get his Blunnies dusty.

The NSW Farmers' Association should be congratulated. They timed their Emergency Drought Summit in Parkes beautifully. Australia’s collective consciousness was once again reminded that for many Australians struggling in drought-stricken areas is not a once-off, but a cycle.

Still, the government focus is too top heavy. We should not be talking solely about short-term support for our farmers.

In the mud left behind by recent rain we need to start discussing long-term support to change our agricultural industry. An agricultural industry which needs as much propping up as ours does is not providing us with the best value for money - especially considering current trade deficit figures.

Governments must start to seriously examine research on drought-tolerant crops, and what strategies will work best in Australian climates. We must increase funding to agricultural scientists who have been monitoring these issues for years. We need to better link our agriculture with global market demands.

We need solutions that respect the reality of our ongoing drought-stricken situation - not policy rooted in providing financial support for unsustainable agriculture. In essence, we need to be thinking about drought - even when it rains.