Australian Government Drought Assistance
Latest News
- Start of a new era in drought support with Western Australian trial
- EC assistance for Queensland's Gulf farmers
- It’s About People: Changing Perspectives on Dryness, A Report to Government
- National review of drought policy
- BoM-CSIRO: An assessment of the impact of climate change on the nature and frequency of exceptional climatic events
- Additional drought assistance measures fact sheets
- Drought Bus
- Drought assistance extended to small business
The Australian Government is supporting drought affected farmers, rural communities and agriculture-dependent small businesses through income support, interest rate subsidies and free counselling.
These measures recognise the impact of severe drought on rural and regional communities, the environment and the broader Australian economy.
Anyone wishing to enquire about assistance should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on
13 23 16 or the Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line on 1800 050 015.
Drought assistance
Information relating to Australian, state and territory government assistance measures, including support to local farm-workers under the Drought Force program and free financial, social and emotional counselling services.
Pilot of Drought Reform Measures in Western Australia
The Australian Government, in partnership with the Western Australian Government, is conducting a pilot of drought reform measures in part of Western Australia.
The pilot will test a package of new measures developed in response to the national review of drought policy. The measures are designed to move from a crisis management approach to risk management. The aim is to better support farmers, their families and rural communities in preparing for future challenges, rather than waiting until they are in crisis to offer assistance.
Exceptional Circumstances (EC)
Information relating to EC declared areas and prima facie declared areas, as well as the declaration processes, eligibility criteria and EC assistance deadlines.
National Review of Drought Policy
The Australian Government is conducting a comprehensive national review of drought policy through three separate assessments. The review will support the development of policies to help better prepare farmers and rural communities for a changing climate.
Media and publications
Expenditure and uptake figures for the Australian Government's drought assistance measures, media releases and fact sheets on drought issues, as well as relevant media contacts within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.