The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has appointed an expert panel to examine the social impacts of drought, and related government and non-government social support services, on farm families and rural communities as part of the government's national review of drought policy.

The expert social panel has released an issues paper, and has called for written submissions. All affected and interested parties are strongly encouraged to make a written submission, as this process will be critical to the success of the expert social panel’s assessment.