A REVIEW of the Federal Governments main drought policy has recommended some tweaks to program, with a focus on facilitating changes to make Australian agriculture more resilient to a changing climate.

Earlier this year, the Labor Government asked the Productivity Commission to review the Future Drought Fund – which received submissions from producers, lobby groups and government organisations.

The results of the finding were released at National Drought Forum in Rockhampton this week, where a series of region-specific drought plans were also unveiled.

The review recommended a general focus on facilitating changes, with some key recommendations including:

• A two-year funding extension for the eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, with continued funding contingent on a mid-term performance review
• The formation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander working groups to help with the implementation of the policy
• Remove the legislated role of the Regional Investment Corporation

The role of the RIC in the policy was to advise on grants and other arrangements, which Commission said had not been very effective.

“Due to the time and costs involved in the process, the RIC board’s advisory role is unlikely to be adding value to the FDF,” the report said.

“There is no evidence the RIC Board’s advice has led to better outcomes, and concerns have been raised about the costs and delays to programs due to the requirement for seeking advice from the RIC Board.”

The Commission said there had been some confusion about the role of the eight Drought Resilience and Adoption Hubs set up by the previous Federal Government.

“Their activities have the potential to contribute to better resilience outcomes, including through promoting transformational change,” the report said.

“There is scope to further improve accountability and clarity about the role of the Hubs and their links to other FDF programs.

“In particular, the Department should develop and publish a statement of expectations for the Hubs program. The statement could: clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Hubs; confirm the focus of the Hubs on activities that support extension, adoption and scaling-up; and establish the outputs and outcomes they are expected to deliver.”

Where to now?

While it is unclear whether the Federal Government will implement all of the Commission’s recommendations, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the report and the program were supported.

“We see the Future Drought Fund as a really important initiative but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved.

“What the Productivity Commission has given us, are some really important suggestions about how we make that important fund work even more effectively on your behalf.”

• To read the full report click here