Questions remain as year draws to a close

We've had the so-called 'quiet Australians' carry Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Coalition to victory in what many considered an unwinnable election in May.

In state politics, we saw the mining bill pass through both houses, despite several Liberal MPs crossing the floor.

Add in record lamb and first-cross ewe prices, the volatile wool market, grain imports, silo closures and the end of $1 a litre milk, and it's clearly been an action-packed year for all sectors.

One of the biggest talking points has been the rise of animal activism, following the publishing of the Aussie Farms map, and several farm invasions across the country.

Farmers were united in their determination to ensure those who trespassed on their properties faced real consequences, rather than a slap on the wrist or a $1 fine.

This united voice ensured farmer concerns were heard. New penalties and offences were introduced at a state and federal level during the year, before Aussie Farms was stripped of its charity status last month.

But on some issues, it feels like we haven't made much progress in the past 12 months.

While state and federal governments have increased their drought funding in recent weeks, I'm concerned we'll be no better prepared for the next drought than we were for this one.

The federal government has talked extensively about drought preparedness or drought-proofing, but just how much progress has been made in this area? When drought-breaking rains finally arrive, will it be a case of 'job done', or will our policy-makers take the time to analyse what worked and what failed?

Will the response to the next drought be more rapid, so we don't have to see farmers and businesses going broke before support is offered? Will all levels of government be on the same page when it comes to deciding how support is distributed?

Only time will tell, but let's hope it's a long time before we have to find out.