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National Drought Program Reform

National Drought Program Reform. Elizabeth Robertson. 15 August 2013. 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.

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National Drought Program Reform

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  1. National Drought Program Reform Elizabeth Robertson 15 August 2013

  2. 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 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 2

  3. Exceptional Circumstances (EC) • Climate: rare and severe • Farm income: rare and severe downturn • Not predictable or part of structural adjustment • Inequitable and perverse outcomes 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 3

  4. 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 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 4

  5. WA Pilot region 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 WA Drought Pilot July 2010 – June 2012 • Tested practical measures • Preparedness and risk management • No drought declaration • Independent review • Recommended measures for the future 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 5

  6. Recent announcements • 3 May 2013: Intergovernmental Agreement on National Drought Program Reform • 14 May 2013: Farm Household Allowance • 1 July 2014: implementation 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 6

  7. 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 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 7

  8. 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 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 8

  9. Farm Management Deposits Scheme • Deposit funds in high income years and withdraw in low income years • Improves self-reliance • Helps manage financial risk 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 9

  10. 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) 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 10

  11. 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 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 11

  12. Tools and technologies to inform farmer decision making • Australian, state and territory government responsibility • Improved seasonal forecasting • Better access to information 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 12

  13. Opportunities • Evidence-based policy • Commitment and cooperation • Stakeholder consultation • Flexibility • Timing 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 13

  14. Challenges • Managing expectations • Requests v evidence • Future decisions 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 14

  15. 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 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 15

  16. www.daff.gov.au/drought 15 August 2013 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Elizabeth Robertson 16

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