ABC Rural | Why Australian governments no longer make drought declarations

With much of south eastern Australia experiencing significantly dry conditions, there is much conversation about the declaration of drought.

ABC Rural reported that there had been a decision by Australia's state, territory and federal governments to not make formal drought declarations following the 2013 Intergovernmental Agreement on National Drought Program reform.

However, it is being argued that a formal declaration would help farmers feel supported and visible.

Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director and Victorian grower Andrew Weidemann said recognition of the hardship primary producers were experiencing would help the mental health of farmers.

"I think the acknowledgement is crucial for that health and wellbeing of people, particularly in these dry areas, and the acknowledgement that this is serious in terms of what's going on," he said.

"One of the other key and critical areas here is that the services industries are also suffering, and I know there's a lot of focus … on us as farmers, but it's the service industries that also need to be supported through this process."

Read more