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Political mavericks of Australia, unite!
Yes, Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter are teaming up.
They are calling it the "Drought Tour with Pauline & Bob" - a series of pub meetings across regional Queensland this week to hear from drought-affected farmers.
Mr Katter says that if rural Australia continues to be represented by the National Party, agriculture is finished and Australia will turn into the "begging bowl of Asia".
"I'm not going to stand on the sidelines and watch inland Australia ground out of existence," the wild-cat Member for Kennedy told AAP.
The idea of Pauline and Bob holding court in the front bar - as the Morrison government's drought aid comes under fire and ahead of next year's Queensland state election - seems about as subtle a political tactic as four Labor MPs donning hi-vis and going down a mine with the Minerals Council of Australia.
While the fact that relief from the government's $100 million Future Drought Fund isn't due to begin flowing until 2020 has drawn some heat, the fund's consultative committee is now giving taxpayers the chance to have their say on the annual drought investment.
The committee will be advising Drought Minister David Littleproud on spending priorities for the $100 million a year the Coalition promised the farm sector in this year's election campaign.
The fund, which became law in July, is due to deliver its first round of funding next July for "projects and activities to enhance the drought resilience of Australian farms and communities".
The committee's meeting schedule is: Charters Towers (November 5), Roma (Nov 6), Darwin (Nov 6), Toowoomba (Nov 7), Whyalla (Nov 8), Horsham (Nov 12), Merredin (Nov 12), Traralgon (Nov 13), Launceston (Nov 14), Wagga Wagga (Nov 20), Orange (Nov 25), Dubbo Nov 26), Tamworth (Nov 26) and Moree (Nov 27).
Of course, a lot is already being done to encourage dollars into drought-affected regions and towns before the government turns on that tap of taxpayer dollars.
"Buy from the Bush", "Buy Regional This Christmas" and shop local campaigns are gathering momentum in places like the Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narromine, Bathurst and the Murray and Riverina regions.
More of us spending more our green stuff with regional producers and small businesses would be as welcome in dry zones as more of the wet stuff seen in many parched areas at the weekend.
James Joyce
Executive Editor, Australian Community Media
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Correction: The original newsletter version of this article incorrectly referred to Bob Katter as the Member for Capricornia. He, of course, represents the Queensland seat of Kennedy. The Liberal National Party's Michelle Landry holds Capricornia.
