In a recent newsletter, RGA executive director Andrew Bomm said it was “very disappointed with Sussan Ley’s efforts in the water debate so far”.

He said she either hasn’t engaged with the issue or has responded to criticism of her efforts by offering platitudes and little else.

“There has been little in the way of seeking viable solutions through RGA or peak irrigator groups that she can take into Cabinet decision-making. Her office needs to be prepared to get across the detail of the water debate and cast aside the idea that offering empathy and calling for an audit will fix problems with the Basin Plan,” Mr Bomm said.

Similar thoughts have previously been expressed consistently across rice growing areas of southern NSW and it is pleasing that RGA is finally supporting the views of those it has been charged with representing.

All organisations representing rice growers, and other food producers, must unite and pressure Ms Ley and her government colleagues to take action that addresses the flawed Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

There has been a failure to acknowledge that here in the Murray region we cannot afford to lose more productive water, or those left in the system cannot be viable. Every megalitre lost increases the burden to run the system on those who are left.

When water is in short supply or temporary prices are through the roof, the rice industry is the first to lose out. This also needs to be acknowledged and adjustments made to support rice growing, which is so important to the prosperity of our rural communities.

Riverina rice not only provides significant export income for our nation at a time when we are crippled by debt, but also helps feed millions of people throughout the world.

I hope Ms Ley will listen to the concerns of her constituents and start taking decisive action to save our communities.

Education is a real driver of change and it is the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage among young people. This year, we’re hoping to give 185 young people the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In our experience, when children are born into disadvantaged families they are much more likely to experience disadvantage themselves and these experiences are passed onto their children. It’s a cycle that I’ve dedicated my life to breaking.

I’ve seen firsthand the value of education and how it can help transform young people’s lives, breaking the cycle of disadvantage. That is why Youth Off The Streets invests so heavily in the skills, capabilities and self-confidence of young people through education.

We have four independent, accredited high schools providing 162 young people with the opportunity to reach their full potential. We have developed our schools with an understanding that mainstream education is not a good fit for all young people, some require a more individualised and flexible approach to their learning.

We’ve also recently launched the National Scholarship Program for 2016. Over the coming months we’re asking students in need of support to apply. It’s for young people aged 16 to 21. 

Our schools and National Scholarship Program have a common goal: to build on each young person’s strengths. As a result, 185 young people will be one step closer to building a fulfilling future.

For more information about our schools, National Scholarship Program or to offer assistance, please call (02) 9330 3500 or visit our website youthoffthestreets.com.au.