National Farmers Federation boss David Jochinke urges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to visit drought-affected regions

He said he would govern for all Australians, now in the coalition heartlands of regional Australia farmer’s have made a simple request.

Farmers have urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to visit drought-stricken areas of southern Australia within the first month of his new government.

National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said Mr Albanese needed to get his boots on the ground to hear first-hand what primary producers were dealing with.

“Drought dries up more than land,” Mr Jochinke said.

“It drains local economies, family budgets and wellbeing. It’s not just farmers who feel it, it’s entire rural and regional communities.”

Mr Jochinke is also urging the re-elected Albanese government to review the Rural Financial Counselling Service funding, extend the Regional Investment Corporation loan capacity to drought-hit farmers and businesses and commit to a national drought forum.

National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said Mr Albanese needed to get his boots on the ground to hear first-hand what primary producers were dealing with. Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

“Not only are these short-term actions desperately needed, but they are consistent with Commonwealth Drought Policy and the National Drought Plan agreed to by the Commonwealth, and States and Territory Governments,” Mr Jochinke said.

“It is critical the Prime Minister gets boots on the ground with producers to show they can listen to the challenges being faced.”

Prior to the election, the wrote twice to the government seeking a public commitment to the ongoing funding of concessional lending through the Regional Investment Corporation, as recommended by a national review.

“The RIC is a central policy pillar in Australia’s drought policy architecture,” Mr Jochinke said. “Concessional lending is key to building farm business resilience.

“The NFF is also calling on governments to work with states and territories to review the current funding of Rural Financial Counselling Services, particularly in those areas facing drought conditions, to ensure they are appropriately resourced to meet current and expected demand of producers facing hardship.”

Originally published as National Farmers Federation boss David Jochinke urges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to visit drought-affected regions