Malinauskas should decare drought a state emergency, says Vincent Tarzia

It’s legislation last used during the River Murray floods, but the State Government is facing calls to declare this crippling drought a state emergency.

The government has been urged to declare the drought crippling farmers as a state emergency.

Opposition leader Vincent Tarzia said such a declaration, last done during the River Murray floods of 2022-23, would ensure a better co-ordinated response and disaster relief planning.

Mr Tarzia said current conditions “clearly meet” the criteria of an emergency under the Emergency Management Act 2004.

Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said current conditions “clearly meet” the criteria of an emergency under the Emergency Management Act 2004. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“There is no doubt in my mind that this is a once-in-a-generation natural disaster and the Premier must declare this a state emergency to unlock additional funding and provide immediate relief,” Mr Tarzia said.

“I’ve heard directly from farmers about how difficult the current conditions are, the damage done to their properties, livestock and the toll on their personal health and wellbeing.

“This is a broadscale disaster that has impacted multiple regions. Declaring an emergency would trigger a range of responses that would expedite the support our regions desperately need.”

Peter Malinauskas convened an emergency management council committee meeting last month. Picture: Facebook

Premier Peter Malinauskas convened an emergency management council committee meeting last month to discuss the drought and hosted a drought roundtable with farmers and farming bodies on Wednesday. He said after the roundtable he expected to announce “in coming days” the next phase of his government’s drought support package.

Liberal Primary Industries Minister Nicola Centofanti said declaring the drought as an emergency would allow the farmers to access extra resources and support.

“This would include the appointment of a state co-ordinator, directing funding and resources to expedite assessment and approval of grants, release funds for farming support, additional powers to secure water supplies and boosting mental health services above and beyond what is already available,” she said.

Agricultural industry leaders and peak bodies will attend a Liberal Party drought roundtable on Friday.

Originally published as Malinauskas should decare drought a state emergency, says Vincent Tarzia