Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing
The Government will provide an additional $388.9 million over four years to strengthen the prevention and response capacity of Government agencies in relation to illegal foreign fishing in Australian northern waters. These measures build on the 2005-06 enforcement measures implemented by the Government in Australia's northern waters ($166.7 million) and the Southern Ocean ($181.3 million).
It is estimated that as a consequence of this package, annual apprehensions of illegal foreign fishing vessels in Australia's north will more than double. Additional funding will be provided for the temporary accommodation, transport, detention, investigation and prosecution of illegal foreign fishers.
Other measures in the package strengthen prevention and response capabilities. Surveillance capacity will be significantly expanded, including through additional patrol boats, increased aerial surveillance and improved ocean surveying and charting. Quarantine risk management will also be improved through faster investigation of quarantine breaches, new purpose-built boat destruction facilities and the employment of extra Indigenous rangers. Additional staff will also be employed to coordinate the Government's response to illegal foreign fishing incursions and to engage in the region on illegal foreign fishing issues.
| 2006-07 $m |
2007-08 $m |
2008-09 $m |
2009-10 $m |
Total $m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPENSE MEASURES | |||||
| AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY | |||||
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - quarantine risk management and boat destruction | 9.7 | 10.0 | 7.9 | 20.2 | 47.9 |
| - investigation and prosecution | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 15.5 |
| - rapid response to illegal landings | .. | .. | .. | .. | 0.2 |
| - transitional accommodation facilities | - | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.5 |
| - expansion of the Joint Offshore Protection Command Headquarters | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.7 |
| - enhanced regional engagement | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 3.6 |
| - enhanced engagement with Indigenous communities | 1.3 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 6.9 |
| Sub Total | 17.1 | 18.2 | 15.8 | 28.2 | 79.2 |
| ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S | |||||
| Attorney-General's Department | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - investigation and prosecution | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 4.8 |
| Australian Customs Service | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - transfer of apprehended fishers to Darwin | 20.6 | 18.3 | 15.3 | 16.1 | 70.3 |
| - increased aerial surveillance for Customs | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 34.0 |
| - investigation and prosecution | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.9 |
| - rapid response to illegal landings | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 24.8 |
| - transitional accommodation facilities | 5.4 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 3.1 | 14.4 |
| - use of the Southern Ocean patrol vessel in northern waters | 12.5 | 12.1 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 31.7 |
| - expansion of the Joint Offshore Protection Command Headquarters | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 6.4 |
| - enhanced regional engagement | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.7 |
| - project team for replacement of the Customs fleet | 1.8 | 2.8 | - | - | 4.6 |
| - training and equipment for Customs officers | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| Australian Federal Police | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - enhanced regional engagement | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.5 |
| Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - investigation and prosecution | 1.4 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 7.2 |
| Sub Total | 60.0 | 57.6 | 43.2 | 44.7 | 205.5 |
| DEFENCE | |||||
| Department of Defence | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - charting and surveying in northern waters | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.3 | - | 18.5 |
| - enhanced detection capability | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 3.6 |
| Sub Total | 5.6 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 1.0 | 22.1 |
| ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE | |||||
| Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - rapid response vessel for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | - | 1.6 |
| Sub Total | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | - | 1.6 |
| FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE | |||||
| Australian Secret Intelligence Service | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - enhanced detection capability | 0.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 5.4 |
| Sub Total | 0.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 5.4 |
| IMMIGRATION AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS | |||||
| Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - detention services | 13.4 | 13.5 | 11.3 | 11.4 | 49.6 |
| Sub Total | 13.4 | 13.5 | 11.3 | 11.4 | 49.6 |
| Total Expense measures | 97.3 | 98.4 | 80.8 | 87.0 | 363.5 |
| CAPITAL MEASURES | |||||
| AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY | |||||
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - quarantine risk management and boat destruction | - | 6.7 | 9.8 | - | 16.5 |
| - investigation and prosecution | 1.9 | - | - | - | 1.9 |
| - transitional accommodation facilities | 0.7 | - | - | - | 0.7 |
| Sub Total | 2.6 | 6.7 | 9.8 | - | 19.1 |
| ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S | |||||
| Australian Customs Service | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - transfer of apprehended fishers to Darwin | 0.5 | .. | - | - | 0.5 |
| - increased aerial surveillance for Customs | 0.1 | .. | - | - | 0.1 |
| - investigation and prosecution | 0.1 | .. | - | - | 0.1 |
| - transitional accommodation facilities | 1.6 | - | - | - | 1.6 |
| - use of the Southern Ocean patrol vessel in northern waters | .. | .. | - | - | .. |
| - expansion of the Joint Offshore Protection Command Headquarters | 2.6 | .. | - | - | 2.7 |
| - enhanced regional engagement | 0.1 | .. | - | - | 0.1 |
| - project team for replacement of the Customs fleet | 0.1 | .. | - | - | 0.2 |
| - training and equipment for Customs officers | 0.1 | - | - | - | 0.1 |
| Sub Total | 5.2 | 0.2 | - | - | 5.3 |
| ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE | |||||
| Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - rapid response vessel for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park | 0.4 | .. | .. | - | 0.4 |
| Sub Total | 0.4 | .. | .. | - | 0.4 |
| FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE | |||||
| Australian Secret Intelligence Service | |||||
| Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing | |||||
| - enhanced detection capability | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | - | 0.6 |
| Sub Total | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | - | 0.6 |
| Total Capital measures | 8.2 | 7.2 | 10.1 | - | 25.4 |
| SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE | |||||
| Total expense measures | 97.3 | 98.4 | 80.8 | 87.0 | 363.5 |
| Total capital measures | 8.2 | 7.2 | 10.1 | - | 25.4 |
| Total expenditure | 105.5 | 105.6 | 90.9 | 87.0 | 388.9 |
| Total revenue measures | - | - | - | - | - |
| Net additional expenditure | 105.5 | 105.6 | 90.9 | 87.0 | 388.9 |
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — transfer of apprehended fishers to Darwin
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 20.6 | 18.3 | 15.3 | 16.1 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 0.5 | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $70.8 million over four years (including $0.5 million in capital) for the medical expenses, processing and transfer of apprehended foreign fishers from the short term holding centres at Gove, Weipa, Horn Island and Broome to the Darwin Detention Facility.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — quarantine risk management and boat destruction
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 9.7 | 10.0 | 7.9 | 20.2 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | 6.7 | 9.8 | - |
The Government will provide $64.4 million over four years to improve the management of quarantine risks associated with illegal foreign fishing in Australia's northern waters. Five new dedicated boat destruction facilities will be built to destroy seized boats in order to manage the quarantine risks they pose.
This measure will allow the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service to conduct additional surveys to manage the quarantine risks from unauthorised landings of illegal fishing vessels, and to destroy abandoned vessels.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) will receive $16.5 million in capital funding in 2007-08 and 2008-09 to construct five new boat destruction facilities in Darwin, Gove, Horn Island, Broome and Weipa.
This programme has also been extended to 2009-10 to maintain the level of activity in relation to illegal foreign fishing.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — detention services
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs | 13.4 | 13.5 | 11.3 | 11.4 |
The Government will provide $49.6 million over four years to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to provide detention services in Darwin for additional apprehensions of illegal foreign fishers. This measure will provide funding for transfer and removal costs, medical services and additional detention services.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — increased aerial surveillance for Customs
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 0.1 | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $34.0 million over four years (including $0.1 million in capital funding) to Customs to increase Coastwatch aerial patrols in northern waters by an additional 1,400 hours per annum in the search for illegal foreign fishing vessels. This measure will enable Coastwatch to increase the range and amount of night time surveillance.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — investigation and prosecution
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions | 1.4 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
| Attorney-General's Department | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| Australian Customs Service | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Total | 7.2 | 7.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 1.9 | - | - | - |
| Australian Customs Service | 0.1 | .. | - | - |
| Total | 1.9 | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $31.3 million over four years to the Attorney-General's Department; the Australian Customs Service (Customs); the Director of Public Prosecutions; and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (to be used by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority) for the investigation and prosecution of an increased number of illegal foreign fishers. Funding of $4.8 million over four years for the Attorney-General's Department is for the provision of legal aid.
The measure includes capital funding of $0.1 million for Customs and $1.9 million for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for additional office space.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — rapid response to illegal landings
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| Total | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 |
The Government will provide $24.9 million over four years to establish an around the clock helicopter response capacity in relation to vessels that have illegally landed on Australia's northern coastline.
The measure includes $0.2 million in 2005-06 for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to conduct immediate assessments of quarantine risks.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — transitional accommodation facilities
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 5.4 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 3.1 |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| Total | 5.4 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 1.6 | - | - | - |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 0.7 | - | - | - |
| Total | 2.3 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $19.2 million over four years to build and operate new transitional accommodation facilities for illegal foreign fishers in Gove and Weipa and to upgrade existing facilities in Broome and Horn Island. These facilities are used to provide short-term detention for illegal fishers pending their relocation to a detention centre.
The Horn Island facility will be managed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, while all other facilities will be managed by the Australian Customs Service (Customs).
The measure also includes $1.6 million in capital funding for Customs in 2006-07 to upgrade its offices in Broome and Weipa and $0.7 million in capital funding for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in 2006‑07 to upgrade the Horn Island detention facility.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — charting and surveying in northern waters
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.3 | - |
The Government will provide $18.5 million over three years for the charting and surveying of Australian waters in the Torres Strait and northern Great Barrier Reef. This measure will help enhance the capacity of maritime enforcement vessels to protect and secure Australian waters from incursions by illegal foreign fishing vessels.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — use of the Southern Ocean patrol vessel in northern waters
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 12.5 | 12.1 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | .. | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $31.7 million over four years (including $30,000 in capital funding) to the Australian Customs Service to allow the existing Southern Ocean patrol vessel to conduct patrols in Australia's northern waters. The funding will also allow for support to be provided by chartered towing and support vessels.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — expansion of the Joint Offshore Protection Command Headquarters
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Total | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 2.6 | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $11.7 million over four years to expand the responsibilities of the Joint Offshore Protection Command Headquarters in Canberra. The Headquarters will control and coordinate all 'on the water' operational responses to civil maritime security threats. The measure includes additional staff for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (funded through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and the Australian Customs Service.
Capital funding of $2.7 million over two years will be provided for office space and for the upgrade of secure communication equipment.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — enhanced detection capability
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Australian Secret Intelligence Service | 0.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Total | 1.2 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Secret Intelligence Service | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | - |
The Government will provide $9.6 million over four years (including $0.6 million in capital funding) to enhance liaison, detection and response capabilities in Australia's northern waters.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — enhanced regional engagement
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| Australian Customs Service | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Australian Federal Police | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Total | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.0 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 0.1 | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $7.9 million over four years to enhance regional engagement and cooperation to discourage illegal foreign fishing at source.
This funding will be used to post three additional staff to Jakarta, one from each of the Australian Customs Service (Customs), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Federal Police. This funding will also support a ministerial-level regional illegal fishing initiative and an overseas information campaign to educate foreign fishers on the impacts and consequences of fishing illegally in Australian waters.
The measure includes $73,000 in capital funding over two years for Customs.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — enhanced engagement with Indigenous communities
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 1.3 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 |
The Government will provide $6.9 million over four years to engage rangers from Indigenous communities in northern Australia to report sightings of illegal foreign fishing vessels and undertake sampling for quarantine testing.
This measure also provides funding to the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service for sample analysis and to provide technical support and training.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — project team for replacement of the Customs fleet
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 1.8 | 2.8 | - | - |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 0.1 | .. | - | - |
The Government will provide $4.8 million over two years to establish a Customs project team to develop options for the acquisition of new patrol vessels.
This measure includes $0.2 million in capital funding over two years for office fit-out and tender evaluation software.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — rapid response vessel for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | - |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority | 0.4 | .. | .. | - |
The Government will provide $2.0 million over three years (including $0.4 million in capital funding) for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to purchase and operate an additional fast response vessel which will patrol the far north of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and adjacent areas of the Torres Strait.
Securing Borders against Illegal Foreign Fishing — training and equipment for Customs officers
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Customs Service | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Related capital ($m) | ||||
| Australian Customs Service | 0.1 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $1.5 million over four years to Customs for increased levels of training and to improve equipment so that officers are able to undertake boardings and apprehensions of non‑compliant illegal fishing vessels more effectively and with greater safety.
This measure includes $0.1 million in capital funding to upgrade patrol vessel armouries.
Other measures in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio
Agricultural technical cooperation with China
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
The Government will provide $5.5 million over four years to help improve technical cooperation with China in agriculture. The programme will fund cooperation initiatives designed to enhance the Australia-China bilateral relationship by drawing on Australia's expertise in rural adjustment, environmental management and agricultural development.
Further information can be found in the press releases of 3 April 2006 issued by the Acting Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Avian influenza — border control measures
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 14.7 | 14.6 | 14.8 | - |
The Government will provide the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service with $44.2 million over three years to enhance border controls, and implement other measures to prevent the entry of avian influenza (bird flu) into Australia.
The expanded programme responds to the ongoing avian influenza threat and will concentrate on increasing the number of quarantine staff at air and sea ports, preventative measures in Northern Australia and research and modelling of the disease.
Biosecurity — enhancing Australia's protection
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Biosecurity Australia | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Total | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
The Government will provide $10.0 million over four years to fund Australia's preparedness for biosecurity threats and emergencies in the agricultural, fisheries, forestry and food sectors. This will continue the existing Enhancing Animal Health Infrastructure programme.
The Government will also provide $6.0 million over four years to improve the assessment of biosecurity risks associated with imports and develop more effective quarantine policies, practices and controls.
Citrus canker eradication in Queensland — additional funding
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | .. | 0.7 | 0.4 | - |
The Government will provide an additional $4.3 million over four years (including $3.1 million in 2005‑06) as a contribution to the cost of eradicating citrus canker in Queensland. The Government's contribution represents 50 per cent of the total agreed costs of the programme, in line with the relevant cost‑sharing agreements between the Australian and State and Territory governments for plant and animal pest and disease eradication.
This funding is in addition to the $11.6 million already provided, bringing the Government's total contribution to $15.9 million.
Drought assistance — Exceptional Circumstances assistance
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 18.9 | - | - | - |
| Department of Education, Science and Training | 0.4 | - | - | - |
| Department of Health and Ageing | 0.1 | - | - | - |
| Centrelink | 0.1 | - | - | - |
| Total | 19.6 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide an additional $32.8 million over two years (including $13.2 million in 2005-06) 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. Farmers who have not experienced a break in drought over the past 18 months can have Exceptional Circumstances drought declarations extended for a 12-month period. Such extensions are considered following the receipt of information and advice from the National Rural Advisory Council and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Drought Taskforce.
This measure includes a higher interest rate subsidy and revised off-farm assets and income tests. Further information can be found in the press release of 30 May 2005 issued by the Prime Minister.
Drought assistance — interim income support
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 0.5 | - | - | - |
| Centrelink | .. | - | - | - |
| Total | 0.5 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $1.2 million over two years (including $0.7 million in 2005-06) to support primary producers in regions that have been declared eligible for interim income support.
Once a fully completed application for a region is received by the Australian Government and 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.
Further information can be found in the press release of 3 March 2006 issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Murray-Darling Basin Commission — boosting capital works
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 65.0 | 145.0 | 175.0 | 65.0 |
The Government will provide $500 million in 2005-06 to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. This funding will be expensed over five years as project milestones are completed and will have a fiscal balance impact over the years 2006-07 to 2009-10 of $450 million and $50 million in 2010-11.
This funding will allow the Commission to:
- accelerate its capital works program;
- undertake additional projects under the Living Murray Environmental Works and Measures Programme; and
- participate in the Living Murray Agreement to deliver 500 gigalitres per annum for environmental water flows.
The Australian Government expects that all Commission parties will at least maintain their contributions in real terms for the next five years.
National Food Industry Strategy — Food Innovation Grants programme —additional funding
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 7.0 | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $12.0 million over two years (including $5.0 million in 2005-06) to expand the National Food Industry Strategy Food Innovation Grants programme. Through additional grants, this funding will encourage new investment in food industry innovation and research and development.
Further information can be found in the press release of 18 May 2005 issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Rural Financial Counselling Service — additional funding
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 4.7 | 5.0 | - | - |
The Government will provide $9.7 million over two years to enhance the Rural Financial Counselling Service programme, which assists rural communities to employ financial counsellors. This funding will improve governance and financial reporting arrangements for the programme. The new arrangements will remove the requirement for mandatory contributions by communities.
This funding is in addition to the $23.3 million over four years provided in the 2004-05 Budget measure Agriculture — Advancing Australia — Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Torres Strait fishery — improved sustainability
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | - |
The Government will provide $1.5 million over three years to improve the sustainability of the Torres Strait fishery. Of this amount, $1.0 million will be provided for scientific studies to improve the fishery's sustainability. The remaining $0.5 million will allow the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to reduce its cost recovery based levy at a time when the fishery is undergoing changes to resource sharing arrangements.
See also the related revenue measure Torres Strait fishery — Australian Fisheries Management Authority levy reduction in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
Vegetable industry — assistance
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | - | - | - |
The Government will provide $3.0 million over three years (including $0.3 million in 2005-06) to assist the vegetable industry improve its performance and sustainability. The cost of this measure will be met from existing resources for the New Industries Development Programme and FarmBis.
Further information can be found in the press releases of 11 August 2005 and 2 March 2006 issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.