Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Australian HomeGrown Campaign
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will contribute $4.0 million over three years (including $1.0 million in 2004-05) to the Australian HomeGrown Campaign. The funding will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with industry and will promote 100 per cent Australian-grown produce in the domestic retail sector, using media and in-store advertising, and food product labeling.
This measure will be funded through a reprioritisation of funding from the Agriculture — Advancing Australia: FarmBis programme.
Further information can be found in the press release of 7 October 2004 issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services export inspection fees and charges — continuation of funding
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 34.3 | 35.4 | 36.5 | 37.7 |
The Government will provide $144.0 million over four years to continue its 40 per cent contribution towards Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service export fees and charges applying to industry in respect of Australian agricultural exports.
Australian Seafood Industry Council
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $0.4 million over five years (including $50,000 in 2004-05) to the Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC), Australia’s peak fishing industry representative body. This funding will support ASIC to represent industry and to liaise with the Government on commercial fishing issues such as resource sharing.
The cost of this measure will be met from existing resources for the Fisheries Resources Research Fund in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
Further information can be found in the press release of 7 October 2004 issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Avian influenza response measures
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 5.6 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service with additional funding of $5.6 million in 2005-06 to continue enhanced border controls to prevent the entry of avian influenza (bird flu) into Australia. The extension of the programme responds to the ongoing avian influenza threat and will concentrate on preventative measures at airports and in northern Australia.
See also the related expense measure titled Quarantine Border Security in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
Biosecurity Australia — ongoing quarantine funding
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 9.8 | 9.8 | 9.8 | 9.8 |
The Government will provide $39.2 million over four years to continue funding for Biosecurity Australia. This funding will support the activities of the agency, including conducting import risk analyses and promoting Australia’s quarantine system internationally.
Conservation of the Southern Bluefin Tuna Scientific Research Programme — continuation
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $3.0 million over three years to continue its contribution to the scientific research programme administered by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna. The programme promotes the sustainable management of global Southern Bluefin Tuna stocks.
The cost of this measure will be met from existing resources for the Agriculture — Advancing Australia: FarmBis programme, the Exotic Disease Preparedness Programme and the Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health programme in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
Drought assistance — Exceptional Circumstances assistance
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 30.6 | 20.0 | - | - |
| Department of Health and Ageing | 1.0 | 0.4 | - | - |
| Department of Education, Science and Training | 0.7 | 0.3 | - | - |
| Total | 32.3 | 20.7 | - | - |
The Government will provide $73.3 million over three years (including $20.4 million in 2004-05) to support primary producers in regions that have been declared eligible for Exceptional Circumstances assistance.
Exceptional Circumstances assistance comprises interest rate subsidies and income support to assist viable farm businesses and farm families who have been adversely affected by exceptional climatic events, such as drought. Eligible recipients are also provided with a health care concession card and access to Youth Allowance for their children.
The Government has also made it easier for farmers who have not experienced a break in drought over the past 18 months to have Exceptional Circumstances drought declarations rolled over for a 12-month extension.
Exceptional Circumstances assistance is a cross-portfolio measure between the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Health and Ageing and Education, Science and Training. Funding for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry includes $0.8 million over three years for Centrelink to administer elements of Exceptional Circumstances assistance.
Drought assistance — interim income support
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 4.5 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $11.7 million over two years (including $7.2 million in 2004-05) to support primary producers in regions that have been declared eligible for interim income support.
Once a fully completed drought application for a particular region is received by the Australian Government and is deemed to show a prima facie case for an Exceptional Circumstances declaration, interim income support is made available to eligible primary producers on conditions equivalent to the Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment.
Access to interim income support is available for up to six months while the Exceptional Circumstances application is assessed by the National Rural Advisory Council. Should the Government declare Exceptional Circumstances in that region, interim income support ceases and standard Exceptional Circumstances assistance arrangements commence.
Eradication of red imported fire ants — additional funding
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 10.6 | 5.1 | - | - |
The Government will contribute an additional $24.3 million over three years (including $8.6 million in 2004-05) towards the cost of eradicating red imported fire ants in Queensland. This funding is in addition to the $61.7 million allocated for this programme over the five years from 2001-02 to 2005-06.
The Government’s contribution represents 50 per cent of agreed government funding, in line with the current cost-sharing arrangements agreed between the Australian and state and territory governments for animal pest and disease eradication.
Industry Partnerships Programme
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | - |
The Government will provide $15.0 million over three years to expand activities under the Industry Partnerships Programme and allow more industries to access assistance. The initiative will involve industry and government working together in the rural sector to share information on future challenges, market opportunities, training and leadership needs.
This measure was announced on 23 September 2004 as part of the Government’s election commitment Investing in Our Farming Future.
International Food and Agriculture Service — exporting Australian agriculture to emerging markets
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $9.7 million over four years to establish the International Food and Agriculture Service within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Service will coordinate the Australian Government’s market access services more effectively and enhance access for Australian agriculture to key markets in Asia.
The cost of this measure will be met from existing resources for the National Landcare Programme in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
This measure was announced on 23 September 2004 as part of the Government’s election commitment Investing in Our Farming Future.
Ovine Johne’s Disease — national approach to future management
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 0.6 | - | - | - |
The Government will contribute $0.9 million over two years (including $0.3 million in 2004-05) to the National Approach to the Future Management of Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD).
This funding is in addition to the $9.3 million allocated in the 1999-2000 Budget. OJD is an infectious disease affecting sheep. The national approach will assist producers in making the transition to managing OJD as a business risk.
Quarantine Border Security
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 63.0 | 67.7 | 67.7 | 67.7 |
| Australian Customs Service | - | - | 62.5 | 62.5 |
| Total | 63.0 | 67.7 | 130.2 | 130.2 |
The Government will provide $516.1 million over four years to maintain funding for quarantine border protection activities undertaken by the Australian Customs Service and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
The funding will maintain the enhanced level of quarantine screening announced in 2001 in response to emerging quarantine risks and threats, including overseas outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Provision for funding for the Australian Customs Service in 2005-06 and 2006-07 has already been included in the forward estimates.
Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | - |
The Government will provide $15.0 million over three years to establish a community grants programme promoting sustainable recreational fishing. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to community groups for local initiatives, including infrastructure improvements to artificial reefs, restocking fish in inland waterways, protection of the environment at the water’s edge, establishing volunteer marine rescue groups, and community education projects to raise recreational fishing awareness.
This measure was announced on 21 September 2004 as part of the Government’s election commitment Supporting North Queensland.
Regional Assistance Programme — continuation
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $1.3 million over three years to continue to meet commitments under the Regional Assistance Programme. Funding will support projects that promote rural adjustment by improving regional sustainability, prosperity and self-reliance.
The cost of this measure will be met from existing resources for the National Landcare Programme and the Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health programme in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
Snowy and Murray Rivers’ environmental flows — Joint Government Enterprise
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will provide a further $30.0 million over four years to the Joint Government Enterprise (JGE) as part of its 10 year commitment to contribute $75.0 million to increase environmental flows in the Snowy River and the Murray River. The JGE was established by the Australian, New South Wales and Victorian Governments, under the arrangements for corporatisation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority. Funding will be provided to the JGE to undertake investments in water saving projects to deliver increased environmental flows in these rivers.
Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates. The Government’s funding commitment to the JGE involves funding of $7.5 million per year from 2002-03 until 2011-12.
Southern Ocean Surveillance — continuation
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | - | 41.1 | 41.4 | 41.9 |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| Total | - | 44.4 | 44.8 | 45.3 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | - | 0.5 | - | - |
The Government will provide $181.3 million over four years (including $46.3 million in 2009-10) for measures aimed at suppressing the activities of vessels engaged in illegal fishing, as well as protecting Australia’s sovereign interests in, and the environmental values of, the Southern Ocean. This includes $0.5 million in capital funding in 2006-07.
Of the funding provided, $178.6 million will support the continuation of armed patrols of Heard and McDonald Islands’ by Australian Customs Service and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) personnel, and $2.7 million will enable DAFF personnel to participate in patrols with French fisheries authorities.
The capital funding will meet the cost of equipment and facilities required to support Australian Customs Service staff on patrol.