General News
4 June, 2025
Jochinke urges for PM visit and strong action
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) president David Jochinke is still urging political leaders to strengthen their response to worsening drought conditions across the country.
He welcomed the visit of Federal Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, to affected areas on May 28, describing it as a valuable opportunity for the government to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders.
“We appreciate Minister Collins taking the time to meet with those on the front lines of this drought,” Mr Jochinke said.
“This visit sends a strong message to farmers that their voices are being heard in Canberra.”
Despite the visit from the Minister Collins, the NFF is still pushing for a comprehensive drought response, including a visit from the Prime Minister to drought-affected regions, an extension of the Regional Investment Corporation’s loan capacity beyond June 30, 2026, a response to the independent review of the Corporation and holding the 2025 National Drought Forum in a drought-affected region in southern Australia.
Mr Jochinke said conditions were deteriorating rapidly, with April rainfall falling below average in much of the country and some areas recording their driest 14-month period on record.
“Each week, the situation worsens,” he said.
“April rainfall was below average across much of the country, with parts of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia recording their driest 14-month period on record.”
He acknowledged the Minister’s comments on the $36 million extension of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Communities Program as outlined in last year’s FDF Investment Strategy.
While the NFF welcomed the additional funding, Mr Jochinke stressed the importance of close cooperation between government and industry to ensure the money supports meaningful resilience and preparedness measures.
“The sector welcomed the extended FDF funding, but implores the Government to work closely with industry, both nationally and at state level, to ensure this funding effectively supports genuine sector resilience and preparedness efforts,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the Minister to ensure farmers and regional communities get the support they need, both now and into the future."