Social impacts of a national drought policy in Australia

Abstract

Australia’s drought policy history demonstrates how governments have attempted to accommodate different needs resulting in mixed political messages that fluctuate between a risk management approach demanding farmers to be self-reliant and an approach where financial support is provided during drought. These financial provisions undermine the risk management aspect where policy impact and rhetoric are constantly misaligned. We draw on previous research on national drought policy to focus on the local social impact of a national policy. A case study is used based on an irrigated agricultural production region in northern Victoria, Australia, to illustrate how drought is context specific, and p..