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National Drought Program Reform
Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013
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History Pre 1990: Drought as a natural disaster
1992: National Drought Policy established Self-reliance Natural resource management Early recovery 1993: Exceptional Circumstances (EC) arrangements established Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 2
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Exceptional Circumstances (EC)
Climate: rare and severe Farm income: rare and severe downturn Not predictable or part of structural adjustment Inequitable and perverse outcomes Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 3
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National review of drought policy
Climatic: hot years are likely to be more frequent Social: focus on personal and family wellbeing Economic: Drought assistance programs should be restructured Help farmers plan and prepare for drought Don’t wait until crisis to offer assistance Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 4
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WA Drought Pilot July 2010 – June 2012 Tested practical measures
WA Pilot region 1 July 2010 to 30 June WA Drought Pilot July 2010 – June 2012 Tested practical measures Preparedness and risk management No drought declaration Independent review Recommended measures for the future Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 5
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Recent announcements 3 May 2013: Intergovernmental Agreement on National Drought Program Reform 14 May 2013: Farm Household Allowance 1 July 2014: implementation Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 6
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National Drought Program Reform
Preparedness and risk management Farm Household Allowance Farm Management Deposits and taxation measures Farm business training Social support services Tools and technologies Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 7
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Farm Household Allowance
Australian Government responsibility Delivered by Department of Human Services Will provide up to three years of income support Support to be based on hardship, regardless of source Case management and activities to support improved circumstances Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 8
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Farm Management Deposits Scheme
Deposit funds in high income years and withdraw in low income years Improves self-reliance Helps manage financial risk Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 9
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National approach to farm business training
Improves capacity to prepare for and manage risk Focus on business planning States and territories responsible for delivery and uptake Farm business management skill set (VET) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 10
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A coordinated, collaborative approach to the provision of social support services
Australian, state and territory government responsibility Ongoing support Flexibility to respond to increased need Coordinated responses Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 11
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Tools and technologies to inform farmer decision making
Australian, state and territory government responsibility Improved seasonal forecasting Better access to information Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 12
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Opportunities Evidence-based policy Commitment and cooperation
Stakeholder consultation Flexibility Timing Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 13
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Challenges Managing expectations Requests v evidence Future decisions
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 14
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What’s next? Amending legislation (allowance and FMDs)
Building IT systems Training staff Finalise farm business training skill set Communications plan Implementation from 1 July 2014 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 15
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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013 16
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