The looming prospect of drought poses serious challenges for agriculture across the Australian continent. Our farmers are innovative and efficient, making sure every drop of water is put to good use. However, the prospect of 450 gigalitres of water buybacks being forced on our farmers by the Federal Minister for Environment and Water will cripple regional communities and endanger food security.

That is why I joined with the Member for Griffith, Ms Helen Dalton, and a spirited group of farmers at a rally protesting water buybacks outside the Minister’s Sydney-based electorate office.

Rural people matter and rural communities count. City-based decisions are destroying rural lifestyles and businesses, and water buybacks are another example of city-based people thinking no one lives out here, but they do and they need to be supported.