The Australian Greens say Prime Minister John Howard cannot future-proof rural Australia from drought without a comprehensive assessment of climate change.
Spending more funds on drought relief would be at best a band-aid solution in the absence of urgent, serious action on climate change, Greens Senator Christine Milne said.
Mr Howard has said cabinet will consider further drought assistance measures this week, including efforts to make rural towns drought-proof for the future.
"It is not enough for Prime Minister Howard to grab his chequebook, don his Akubra hat and head bush full of sympathy. It's a recipe for ongoing disaster," Senator Milne said in a statement.
"What Australia needs is a full assessment of the climate modelling and the extent to which the pastoral, wheat, sheep and coastal zones have shifted as a result of a changing climate, with an adaptation strategy to match."
The Greens have proposed a Senate inquiry on the effects of climate change on agricultural and rural Australia, and the coalition party room is understood to be ready to consider it.
"Australia's scientists and rural communities should be given the opportunity to tell politicians how best to incorporate climate change impacts into decision-making," Senator Milne said.
"Adapt, adapt, adapt is the message from the CSIRO. Prime Minister Howard needs to start listening or move aside for someone who will."
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