Monday, 10 February 2025

North Coast Voices Notice To Readers (Update 1) (Update 2)


North Coast Voices currently does not have a date it is recommencing regular posts. Please check by in a week's time.

Clarencegirl still on the sick list. New date for resumption of posting is Saturday, 22 February 2025.

North Coast Voices will not be posting for the next four days.

Back again hopefully by Saturday 15 February 2025.

Sunday, 9 February 2025

Protect Trans Youth National Day of Action rally held in Lismore City NSW on Saturday 8 February 2025

 

A Protect Trans Youth National Day of Action took place across Australia on Saturday 8 February 2025, with a rally for the NSW North Coast taking place in Lismore City at 11am at Pride Corner on the corner of Molesworth and Magellan streets, Lismore.


The rally called on the Queensland Crisafulli LNP Government to reinstate full care for trans youth, particularly those under 18 years of age.


Lismore Protect Trans Youth Rally
IMAGE:
 Rebecca Rushbrook, Trans Justice Project, 08.02.25





The national organizers of the rally taking the position that the banning of hormone therapy by Health Minister Tim Nicholls is a politically motivated attack that undermines the right of trans youth to grow up happy, healthy, and with the freedom to be themselves.


Lismore Protect Trans Youth Rally
IMAGE: Rebecca Rushbrook, Trans Justice Project, 08.02.25






Friday, 7 February 2025

By the end of the fourth day in Lattouf v ABC Australia it was hard not to feel that the ABC board & management had brought the 92 year-old grande dame of public broadcasting into disrepute

 


This media release became public shortly after the end of the fourth court sitting day in NSD189/2024: Antoinette Lattouf v Australian Broadcasting Corporation.







ABC staff ‘disgusted’ by handling of Lattouf case


2025-02-06 16:38:00 #MEAAMedia #WithMEAA MediaRoom Releases


The ABC must commission an independent inquiry into the broadcaster’s independence from outside interference and apologise for allowing external pressure to influence the dismissal of Antoinette Lattouf and attempts to have other journalists sacked in recent years.


Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance members at the ABC want the inquiry to be conducted within 12 months and the full report released publicly.


Following a union meeting today, they are also demanding complete end to the “special hotlines” that some groups are able to leverage to influence the ABC and improved transparency about complaints and lobbying activities directed at the Chair and managing director.


Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance members at the ABC are dismayed by the revelations emerging from the Antoinette Lattouf trial and disgusted by the ABC’s handling of the case,” said the ABC National House Committee.


The ABC’s position that Ms Lattouf has not “demonstrated the existence of a Lebanese, Arab or Middle Eastern race” destroys any hope that the ABC intends to address the systemic racism identified by the Janke review of last year.


As a public broadcaster, the ABC must act as a model litigant. We demand it immediately disavows this position and acknowledges, without qualification, that Lebanese, Arab and Middle Eastern people can be subject to racial discrimination.


The trial has confirmed our worst fears: the ABC’s independence is not adequately protected. Across successive leaderships, political pressure has influenced the ABC chair, leading to breaches of our independence. There has been no commitment to change from the new leadership.


It’s therefore not enough to change the personnel. The system allowing those breaches needs to be changed.


ABC staff work tirelessly to build and maintain the ABC’s independence and integrity. It is the board’s legal duty to protect that independence and integrity. But time and again we see ABC chairs and managing directors do the opposite.


ABC’s staff know social media rules are supposed to ensure the ABC isn’t brought into disrepute, yet this court proceeding has badly harmed the ABC’s reputation.


This must stop. We demand changes be made to ensure it does.


Resolution


ABC MEAA members demand:


1. An explicit acceptance by the ABC that they will not require any proof that it is possible to be racist to a Lebanese/Arab/ Middle Eastern person and an apology for making that argument in court.


2. An independent inquiry, designed in collaboration with the ABC MEAA National House Committee, to examine the ABC’s independence and how outside pressure may have inappropriately influenced the ABC, including the attempts to sack Emma Alberici and Andrew Probyn, revealed in 2018, and the sacking of Antoinette Lattouf. Since these cases appear to demonstrate inappropriate outside influence despite personnel changes across successive leadership teams, the inquiry should consider potential legislative, corporate culture or policy changes that might be required, as well as changing or clarifying the roles of the Chair and managing director, to better protect the ABC’s integrity and independence. The inquiry should be conducted within 12 months and a full report be released publicly.


3. A full apology to Antoinette Lattouf, ABC staff and the public for allowing external pressure to influence the ABC, undermining the ABC’s independence and hard-won trust.


4. An acknowledgement from Chair Kim Williams that what occurred before his time with the sacking of Lattouf was unacceptable and a commitment to stop it happening again.


5. A complete end to the “special hotlines” that some groups are able to leverage to influence the ABC. All complaints received by senior executives, the MD or the board must be directed to the ombudsman or appropriate adjudicator with no further action. The ABC should follow its established and rigorous complaints handling process through the Ombudsman’s Office without interference or influence from management. Editorial staff subject to complaints must always be afforded the right to respond before any adverse findings or actions are taken against them.


6. Improved transparency around attempts to influence including the Managing Director and Chair publishing their diaries and summaries of all complaints and lobbying actions received by them.


7. That the incoming MD Hugh Marks meets with the MEAA National House Committee to openly and collaboratively discuss how to ensure these longstanding problems are not repeated.


8. That the ABC does not unduly fold to bad faith external media campaigns.


9. ABC Management will immediately work with ABC MEAA House Committee to review and implement social media policy with transparency.


10. Call on the ABC management to treat staff’s mental health disclosures with respect in all circumstances, and recognise the mental health toll of working in the media industry.


Thursday, 6 February 2025

Trump rips $300,000 funding from Australian not-for-profit Positive Change for Marine Life Limited

 

Positive Change For Marine Life Limited, formed in in the NSW Northern Rivers region in 2012, is a not-for-profit registered corporation with a four member board of directors which has a stated community driven mission to empower ocean action, developing long-term initiatives that benefit the sea and the people who rely on it for survival.


Now headquartered in Queensland, it has teams on the ground in Australia (where it first was founded), India and Solomon Islands. These teams are made up of conservation scientists, community engagement specialists, spatial mapping & data specialists, as well as members of the volunteer and intern community - often marine biology or conservation science students.


Positive Change for Marine Life has also partnered groups in Brazil, Japan, Indonesia and Seychelles for specific projects.


Their work appear to complement the work of other Australian environmental groups, such as the NSW Nature Conservation Council.


Positive Change for Marine Life Limited's annual report and financial statement show it to be a responsible ad stable corporation.


However an overbearing, belligerent and volatile 47th President of the United States of America on the day of his inauguration unleashed a policy which resulted in this.......


ECHO, 5 February 2025:


With US President Trump axing funding for aid programs across the globe, it’s also forced a marine conservation group to start laying off staff and stop work while they ‘work around the clock to fill the $300,000 gap that has been created’.


Positive Change for Marine Life co-founder and CEO, Karl Goodsell, told The Echo the not-for-profit, formed in Byron Shire, and most of its Australian employees are located in the North Coast.


We started as a small, volunteer-led org in 2011 off the back of work that myself and the cofounder were doing in Japan around sustainable fisheries, dolphin hunting and shark finning issues. We registered in 2012 and have since grown to run programs in seven countries, with teams now in Australia, India and the Solomon Islands who focus on turning waste into wealth, rewilding coastal floodplains and coral reefs and developing sustainable fisheries within some of the world’s marine biodiversity hotspots,’ says Goodsell.


The Trump administration, under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has frozen funds of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), impacting millions across the planet. It’s also put lives at risk in third-world countries, with food monitoring programs being reportedly defunded..... [my yellow highlighting]


Read the full article at

https://www.echo.net.au/2025/02/marine-conservation-group-hit-by-trump-funding-cuts/


Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Commonwealth Ombudsman to investigate Service Australia/Centrelink Targeted Compliance Framework and allegation of unlawful & unfair income support cancellations

 


ACOSS welcomes Ombudsman investigation into Targeted Compliance Framework and income support cancellations

4 February 2024


ACOSS has welcomed the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s investigation into serious issues with the Targeted Compliance Framework with a focus on whether income support cancellations are being made in a way that is lawful, reasonable and fair.


In response to an ACOSS complaint, the Ombudsman today announced it would investigate the Targeted Compliance Framework, which administers penalties to people using employment services. Since 2018, ACOSS has consistently opposed the Targeted Compliance Framework and warned successive Ministers about the serious harm it causes.


ACOSS made a complaint about the Federal Government’s administration of its Targeted Compliance Framework to the Ombudsman in December following the revelation that around 1,000 income support payments may have been illegally cancelled in the period between April 2022 and July 2024.


This system has been plagued by errors in recent years, including previous instances of confirmed illegal payment cancellations and large scale IT problems leading to confusion and distress for people using the system.


This investigation into this harsh and potentially illegal compliance system is urgently needed,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.


Payment suspensions and cancellation have extremely harmful impacts on people, including not only the loss of income but also potential homelessness, relationship breakdown and destitution. The fact they may be happening illegally is extremely serious.


Every three months 240,000 people - over a third of people in Workforce Australia - have their payment suspended. The TCF must be urgently removed to prevent further harm to people on low incomes.


We thank the Commonwealth Ombudsman for opening this investigation and stand ready to assist in any way we can.”


Tuesday, 4 February 2025

What is the lesson Australia can draw from the first shots fired in the Dumbest Trade War in U.S. History?

 

On the matter of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA)


The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) situated in The Executive Office Of The President.


The full text of the Agreement is available here and the Advisory Committee Reports are available here. The latest information regarding significant trade barriers can be found in the 2021 National Trade Estimate Report, see here.


Australia Trade Summary


U.S. goods and services trade with Australia totaled an estimated $77.1 billion in 2022 (latest data available). Exports were $52.1 billion; imports were $25.0 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with Australia was $27.1 billion in 2022.


U.S. goods exports to Australia in 2023 were $33.7 billion, up 10.2 percent ($3.1 billion) from 2022 and up 29 percent from 2013. U.S. goods imports from Australia totaled $16.0 billion in 2023, down 1.3 percent ($216 million) from 2022, but up 72 percent from 2013. U.S. exports to Australia account for 1.6 percent of overall U.S. exports in 2023. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Australia was $17.7 billion in 2023, a 23.2 percent increase ($3.3 billion) over 2022.


U.S. exports of services to Australia were an estimated $21.6 billion in 2022, 30.6 percent ($5.1 billion) more than 2021, and 5 percent greater than 2012 levels. U.S. imports of services from Australia were an estimated $8.8 billion in 2022, 41.4 percent ($2.6 billion) more than 2021, and 20 percent greater than 2012 levels. Leading services exports from the U.S. to Australia were in the financial services, travel, and telecommunications, computer, and information services sectors. The United States has a services trade surplus of an estimated $12.7 billion with Australia in 2022, up 24.1 percent from 2021.


U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Australia (stock) was $173.7 billion in 2022, a 1.6 percent decrease from 2021. U.S. direct investment in Australia is led by nonbank holding companies, mining, and manufacturing.


According to OEC.World:


In October 2024, United States exported $2.49B and imported $1.59B from Australia, resulting in a positive trade balance of $901M. Between October 2023 and October 2024 the exports of United States have decreased by $-432M (-14.8%) from $2.93B to $2.49B, while imports increased by $195M (13.9%) from $1.4B to $1.59B.


On the fifth day of the US 47th Presidency the USTR issued the following statement:


USTR Announces Review of Unfair Foreign Trade Practices

January 24, 2025


WASHINGTON-- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced today that it will review foreign trade practices to account for those practices which may be unfair to the United States, including those practices that may be unreasonable or discriminatory and that may burden or restrict United States commerce.


This review is conducted pursuant to Sections 2(c) and 3(c) of the Presidential Memorandum "America First Trade Policy" signed on January 20, 2025.


By 1 February 2025, the 12th day of this current presidency, at least the first three of what appears to be cursory reviews of foreign trade practices (allegedly enabled by US International Emergency Economic Powers Act) had been completed and Canada, Mexico and China had received notice of an increase in tariffs across the board on their goods & services entering American territorial boundaries.


NOTE: Previous to this the vast majority of U.S. imports from Canada and Mexico could enter the U.S. duty-free, thanks to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.


From the start date of this new tariff regime on 4 February 2024, these Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods & services have an estimated combined value at the end of the first 12 months of more than US$1 trillion.


As the actual dollar cost of these tariffs are born predominately by US importers of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods/services and businesses are not prohibited from passing 100% of tariff-induced costs onto the consumer, although the impact of these tariffs will be felt in all four national economies it has been calculated that with the initial retaliatory counter tariffs in place US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will potentially halve in 2025, subsequently significantly impeding America's economic growth.


Now that he has started a trade war with his two largest free trade partners, it appears that Trump wants to temporarily de-escalate tensions and has suspended imposing the new tariffs on Mexico for a month and appears to have spoken with the Canadian prime minister with unspecified results.


There are perhaps lessons here for Australia when Trump announces increased tariffs on Australian exports to the United States.


Hopefully the lesson learnt is that Australia should match any new tariff rates percentage point for percentage point across the board and insist there is no bargaining this position away - either by agreeing to an offer of a smaller increase in US tariffs, by the US excepting certain goods & services from these tariffs or by entering into new or altered agreements on any matter in which Australia and the United States can be thought to have a mutual interest as a condition of an easing or removal of tariffs.  


Repeatedly stating with strong emphasis that under the 2005 Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) the US already shows a trade surplus with Australia that it knows it can bank - and it has been certain of that trade surplus almost without exception for the last 123 years since 1901 when the newly established Commonwealth of Australia was exporting A$6.9 million (7.0% of all exports) to the US and was importing from the US A$11.7 million (13.8% of all imports) in return.


Monday, 3 February 2025

Trump's set the bar high as he begins his punitive Trade War 2.0 with the rest of the world

 

On 1 February 2025 the U.S. White House released a Fact Sheet entitled "Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico and China".


Stripping away 90 per cent of the rhetorical posturing contained therein, the fact sheet stated that:

 

"President Donald J. Trump is implementing a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China. Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff."


Going on to assert: 


"Access to the American market is a privilege. The United States has one of the most open economies in the world, and the lowest average tariff rates in the world.


While trade accounts for 67% of Canada’s GDP, 73% of Mexico’s GDP, and 37% of China’s GDP, it accounts for only 24% of U.S. GDP. However, in 2023 the U.S. trade deficit in goods was the world’s largest at over $1 trillion.


Tariffs are a powerful, proven source of leverage for protecting the national interest. President Trump is using the tools at hand and taking decisive action that puts Americans’ safety and our national security first."


That same day in immediate response to these increased US tariffs, the Canadian Government released the following:


News release (excerpt)


"February 1, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada


Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable MĂ©lanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that the Government of Canada is moving forward with 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of goods in response to the unjustified and unreasonable tariffs imposed by the United States (U.S.) on Canadian goods.


These countermeasures have one goal: to protect and defend Canada’s interests, consumers, workers, and businesses.


The first phase of our response will include tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the U.S., effective February 4, 2025, when the U.S tariffs are applied. The list includes products such as orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and pulp and paper. A detailed list of these goods will be made available shortly.


Minister LeBlanc also announced that the government intends to impose tariffs on an additional list of imported U.S. goods worth $125 billion. A full list of these goods will be made available for a 21-day public comment period prior to implementation, and will include products such as passenger vehicles and trucks, including electric vehicles, steel and aluminum products, certain fruits and vegetables, aerospace products, beef, pork, dairy, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles, and recreational boats.


In addition to this initial response, Ministers LeBlanc and Joly reiterated that all options remain on the table as the government considers additional measures, including non-tariff options, should the U.S. continue to apply unjustified tariffs on Canada......"


On 1 February 2025 the Government of Mexico also responded to the new US tariffs by instructing its Secretary of Economy to implement "tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico's interests" and its President strongly countering the absurd claims in the White House 'fact sheet' with: 


"We categorically reject the White House's slander against the Mexican government of having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of intervention in our territory.

If such an alliance exists anywhere, it is in the United States armories that sell high-powered weapons to these criminal groups, as demonstrated by the United States Department of Justice itself in January of this year."


As yet, Mexico has not indicated which US goods would be included in retaliatory tariffs. However media reports canvas the possibility of pork, cheese, fresh produce, manufactured steel and aluminium being included.


China's response became known on 2 February 2025.


China Daily, 2 February 2025:


China will file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization and take necessary countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests, the Ministry of Commerce said on Sunday after the United States announced it would impose 10 percent additional tariffs on goods from China.


The Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that the unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US seriously violates the rules of the WTO, fails to address US domestic issues, and undermines regular economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.


"We urge the US to objectively and rationally view and handle its own fentanyl and other issues, rather than resorting to tariff threats against other countries," the commerce ministry said in a statement.


China urges the US to correct its wrong actions, move toward the same direction as the Chinese side, face problems directly, engage in frank dialogue, strengthen cooperation and manage differences on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and respect, the commerce ministry said.


Exactly how much Trump's trade war is going to cost all four national economies is uncertain but it is not unreasonable to start the count in the billions of dollars annually if the situation continues unchecked. If so this can be expected to knock percentage points of the Gross Domestic Product of Canada, Mexico and probably that of the national debt-ladened United States.


The implications for Australia are uncomfortable to say the least.


In the first instance because assurances appear to have been given to Canada and Mexico in 2024 that the US tariffs imposed on their goods & services in 2025 would not reach anywhere near 25 per cent and, Australia can no longer have confidence that the new tariff level discussed with it will be a low as promised.

In the second instance because there is no way that global trade will not experience some disruption as these tariffs are rolled out to more OECD countries during the coming months and, as Australia with an export market spanning at least 27 of the 38 countries in this category we have a potential risk exposure independent of whatever absurd import/export trade demands Trump decides to makes of us.


BACKGROUND


Financial Review 30 January 2025, p.19 excerpt:


US national debt is around $US30 trillion ($48 trillion), bringing annual interest costs for the government near $US1 trillion and helping tip the nation's budget into a $US1.8 trillion deficit in fiscal 2024.


Sovereign debt accelerated sharply following the COVID-19 pandemic. That has sparked wider market concerns about the sustainability of the US balance sheet and sent bond yields advancing since Trump's election win in November. The bond market reaction is a concerning sign, according to Mr Lamm, given the US Federal Reserve has already begun to cut rates.


"The bond market appears to be taking a cautious view on rising inflation risks and elevated US budget deficits into an environment where there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the ultimate form and impact of President Trump's economic policies."


Meanwhile, gold - traditionally perceived as a safe haven asset to ride out wider market volatility - rose more than 25 per cent last year, touching a record high of nearly $US2800 an ounce in October.


Its best year in more than a decade was attributed to strong demand from global central banks - particularly the People's Bank of China, which revealed last month that it had resumed buying gold in November after a six-month hiatus....


Sunday, 2 February 2025

After over 40 years of service NSW Community Justice Centres will finally close their doors by end of June 2025

 

First established and funded by a NSW Labor Government in1983 under the Community Justice Centres Act 1983, Community Justice Centres have been providing free and confidential mediation by trained professionals.


Helping people solve disagreements (or resolve disputes) without going to court in neighbourhood and strata title issues relating to noise and privacy, overhanging trees, dogs and other pets, boundary disputes and access to properties, renovations and building work, and use of common property.


Community Justice Centres also provide mediation for tenants and landlords, partners and families, and in schools, workplaces, business, and incorporated associations like sporting groups.


There are thirty-eight Community Justice Centres across New South Wales and, four of these are in the Northern Rivers region of the state at Ballina, Clarence Valley, Lismore and Tweed Heads.


Sadly, forty-two years later, it is another NSW Labor Government under Premier Chris Minns which decided to repeal the Act and is closing all the centres by 30 June this year.


Although to be fair, it was the NSW Berejiklian Coalition Government whose budgetary measures redistributing general funding, led to a reduction in total funding of the scheme which in turn inevitably reduced the level of services to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in some areas.


Local Government NSW, media release, 31 January 2025:


CLOSURE OF FREE MEDIATION SERVICES A COSTLY BARRIER TO JUSTICE


The peak body for local government in NSW is calling on the State Government to reverse its decision to close all Community Justice Centres (CJCs) in June.


Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said shutting down the free mediation service would have devastating consequences for some of the state’s most disadvantaged residents.


CJCs offer an equitable legal pathway that vulnerable people in our communities might not otherwise afford, providing mediation and dispute resolution services and avoiding costly formal legal action,” Mayor Miller said.


Whether it be a dispute over fencing, overhanging branches, pets, privacy, access to land, or building/renovation works, the mediation services provided by CJCs are critical to helping communities resolve issues outside of court,” she said.


I have heard from mayors and councillors across NSW that the elimination of CJCs will create a costly barrier to justice. Individuals and families in vulnerable circumstances will feel the biggest impact, especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” Mayor Miller said.


It will also force many residents to turn to formal legal channels - if they can afford them - clogging the courts, tying up police resources, and delaying outcomes for countless individuals and families,” Mayor Miller said.


In 2022-23, 79% of CJC mediated neighbourhood disputes were resolved. Mayor Miller said that removing options for free mediation would be corrosive to social cohesion, potentially escalating tensions.


The lack of consultation with councils in reaching this decision is deeply disappointing. Late last year LGNSW wrote to the NSW Attorney General expressing concern about reports that all CJCs would be closed from 30 June 2025,” Mayor Miller said.


The NSW Attorney General has now responded confirming the closure. LGNSW strongly opposes this move and urges the State Government to reconsider and commit to funding CJCs beyond June 2025,” Mayor Miller said.


There reportedly been some discussion re replacing existing centres with a limited mediation service administered by the Department of Communities and Justice, that will only deal with court-mandated referrals where the dispute had reached the level of Apprehended Personal Violence Orders.


Friday, 31 January 2025

With only 28 days left of Summer and Autumn on its way, how hot are the days & nights likely be for the next three months?


On Thursday 30 January 2025 Australia was a day away from finishing the end of its second month of Summer and there were heatwave warnings in Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, as well as the Australian Capital Territory.


With just one month of Summer left, here are the forecast summaries for February to April 2025.


AustralianBureau of Meteorology (BOM), 30 January 2025:


Long-range forecast overview


The long-range forecast for February to April shows:

  • above average rainfall is likely for northern Australia and much of the south, with an increased chance of unusually high rainfall for much of these regions

  • warmer than average days are likely across much of southern and eastern Australia

  • warmer than average nights are very likely across Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures nationwide.


Max temperature - The chance of above median max temperature for February to April

Click on image to enlarge

 

Rainfall—Summary


Rainfall likely to be above average for much of Australia

February to April

  • Rainfall is likely (60 to 80% chance) to be above average across northern Australia and much of the south, with a greater than 80% chance of above average rainfall in parts of northern and central Queensland, along the northern WA coastline, and parts of the NT.

  • For parts of southern WA and scattered parts of south-east Australia, rainfall is likely to be in the typical range for February to April.

  • There is an increased chance of unusually high rainfall1 for much of northern and eastern Australia, with highest chances - more than 3 times the usual chance - across parts of northern Queensland.

1 Unusually high rainfall is that in the highest 20% of February to April rainfall observations from 1981 to 2018.


Rainfall - Totals that have a 75% chance of occurring for February to April

Click on image to enlarge


BOM Drought: Rainfall deficiencies and water availability, 9 January 2025:


Below average soil moisture in parts of the southern and eastern mainland


Map of root-zone soil moisture for the previous month

Click on image to enlarge

December soil moisture was below to very much below average (in the lowest 10% of Decembers since 1900) in:

  • the south of Western Australia excluding the far south-west and isolated pockets of northern Western Australia

  • south-west South Australia and parts of the Eyre Peninsula extending to the greater Adelaide region

  • much of southern Victoria, except the far south-west

  • isolated pockets of eastern New South Wales

  • isolated inland areas across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

December rainfall eased the severity and extent of long-term soil moisture deficiencies in the south-east, including most of Victoria, south-east New South Wales and Tasmania. Soil moisture deficiencies also eased in northern Queensland. Root-zone soil moisture across inland and western Australia is typically low at this time of year and the differences between above and below average can be relatively small.


Low soil moisture for long periods of time affects crop growth and can be an indicator of agricultural drought.


NSW DPI Interactive Combined Drought Indicator map of NSW as at 26.01.25

Click on image to enlarge