Premier Malinauskas fires back at Liberal Opposition calls to declare a state emergency over SA drought

The Premier is accusing the opposition of “playing politics” as thousands of farmers struggle.

Thousands of farmers and local councils throughout the state are calling on government leaders to declare a State of Emergency as drought continues to ravage South Australia.

But Premier Peter Malinauskas said there was no mechanism to make that happen and it would have no impact on drought funding measures in the state’s $73m assistance package.

He accused the state opposition of “playing politics” with struggling farmers saying the government had already recognised there was a drought when it released a first $18m package last year.

“The state Liberal Party is trying to play politics with the drought in a way that doesn’t help anybody, they are out there saying declare a drought, well, a drought is declared, that’s why we have a $73m package,” he said.

His response comes as Liberal Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia and shadow Primary Industries spokesperson Nicola Centofanti called on the state government to respond to “heartfelt pleas” to declare a State of Emergency.

Shadow Primary Industries spokesperson Nicola Centofanti. Picture: supplied

However, drought legislation was changed in 2013 under the National Drought Agreement deciding “formal drought declarations” would no longer occur so farmers could access assistance at any time it was needed.

This week the Grant District Council and the Naracoorte Lucindale Council along with thousands of people who signed a farmers petition added their voices to calls for the government to make the declaration.

A groundswell of concern was growing after a letter from Naracoorte’s Abby Miller was read in state parliament by Dr Centofanti that told of drought’s terrible toll, including the death by suicide of a leading south east agronomist.

Ms Miller spelt out the harsh reality for SA farmers saying “drought is impacting tens of thousands and yet it is being left up to individual farmers – already stressed and battling to keep their farms operating and animals fed – to reach out for help”.

Naracoorte Lucindale Mayor Patrick Ross urged the Premier to hear Ms Miller’s comments and announced the council would support anyone having trouble paying rates.

Dr Centofanti said declaring the drought an emergency could make it easier for farmers to access support.

Opposition Leader, Vincent Tarzia calling for more urgent drought assistance in March this year. Picture: Matt Loxton

“Our farmers don’t need platitudes, they need relief from government fees and charges, subsidies for water carting or low or no-interest loans for essentials such as fodder,” she said.

Primary Industries Minister Claire Scriven said the government had spoken with Ms Miller and spoken to the Australian Taxation Office about “hardship arrangements”.

Low-interest loans and taxation measures, financial assistance through Rural Business Support, or financial relief on vehicle registration, mental health support and other assistance is available through state and federal packages.

To learn more: https://pir.sa.gov.au/emergencies_and_recovery/drought

Originally published as Premier Malinauskas fires back at Liberal Opposition calls to declare a state emergency over SA drought