The SPC decision threatens the livelihood of thousands of fruitgrowers and the loss of thousands more jobs in areas which have traditionally voted for the Coalition.
The impact of the drought seems likely to also open a potentially volatile debate on the future of agriculture in vulnerable areas, especially huge areas of marginal country and industries such as cotton, rice and wine, which require heavy irrigation.
Drought has now gripped much of the eastern states' interior, rising up from South Australia through Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Herd and flocks have been decimated as stock die in paddocks, or are sent for slaughter, as food and water run out. Country towns and businesses have been hammered.
Many farmers are sinking under a mountain of debt. Many applications for federal low-interest, long-term reconstruction loans have been refused because farms were not considered viable.
The CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have warned that the extent and frequency of exceptionally hot years has increased rapidly over the past few decades and that the trend is expected to continue.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, deputy leader of the Nationals, told a farmers' crisis meeting in Queensland more federal help was needed. He advocated a A$7 billion rural reconstruction and development bank to buy bad rural debt and bail out stricken farmers.
His expectations of a "mighty battle" in Cabinet are already being realised. Treasurer Joe Hockey yesterday indicated that little new help would be forthcoming.
He said aid was already available and a new scheme would start in July offering farmers the equivalent of the NewStart unemployment benefit of about A$450 a week for a couple. Hockey also said it was time for a debate on sustainable agriculture, including water management and global food demand patterns.
Australia burnout
A$70 billion rural debt across the country.
A$1 million average farm debt in Queensland.
