The NSW Government has failed to provide clarity around drought support for farmers, after a Budget Estimates hearing revealed the Minister in charge does not know the extent of the dry conditions plaguing the State.
Nationals Committee Member Sam Farraway asked Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty “how much of NSW is currently considered to be in some form of drought?” when she faced questioning today.
The Minister responded with “the last statistic I have is three per cent but if that’s changed, I’m happy to get more details”.
The Department of Primary Industries’ Combined Drought Indicator shows a very different reality, with 44.7 per cent of NSW categorised as drought affected, in drought or in intense drought.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Minister will be recalled for a supplementary hearing after a motion was put forward by the Opposition.
“Today we saw a disgraceful response from a Minister who has once again shown just how out of touch she is with Regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said