Farmers See Some Benefits In Budget
May 14, 2002
This is the text of a statement released by the President of the National Farmers' Federation, commenting on the 2002-03 Federal Budget:
"Farmers will benefit from this Budget in three main ways: continued fiscal responsibility underpinning our relatively low interest rates; some specific new initiatives for farmers; and measures to improve health and aged care services in rural and regional Australia," said the President of the National Farmers' Federation, Ian Donges.
"The NFF has consistently supported the Government’s focus on fiscal responsibility and we welcome the fact that the Budget will be in surplus next year and in coming years, despite the necessary significant expenditure on defence and border protection. Farmers well remember the draconian interest rates of the past and the damage they did to rural communities across Australia. We have no wish to see any return to a high interest rate and high inflation environment," said Mr Donges.
"In terms of improved services to rural Australia, the Government has allocated an extra $100 million over four years for aged care including for capital improvements to aged care homes in rural, remote and urban fringe areas. Aged care is of particular significance to rural and farming communities and this extra funding is most welcome.
"The $73 million which has been allocated to six new radiation and oncology facilities in regional Australia continues the Government’s focus on rural health concerns.
"NFF welcomes the $24 million over three years relating to SBS television extensions, greater access for commercial radio black spots and improvement to television reception problems in up to 34 separate black spot areas in regional Australia.
"There is also increased expenditure on a number of programs of specific benefit to farmers," said Mr Donges.
"The NFF welcomes the $102.4 million announced for the National Food Industry Strategy, one of the Government's most important initiatives for agriculture.
"One of NFF’s major election issues was the urgent need to increase the number of vets, particularly large animal vets, in rural Australia. The Government has today honoured its commitments to us and allocated new expenditure of $2 million over four years to encourage vets to enter country practice. NFF and our member organisations look forward to working with the Government to ensure these funds are used effectively to boost the number of rural vets.
"The Government’s focus on disease prevention in agriculture continues with an additional $10 million over four years to enable better preparation for any major animal disease emergency. This initiative is of vital importance to all Australian livestock farmers.
"Through the Natural Heritage Trust, the Government has allocated $25 million to provide incentives to farmers for sustainable agriculture through participation in Environmental Management Systems. Farmers have shown that they respond quickly and effectively to incentive based measures for environmental improvements.
"We are also pleased to note that an additional $17 million has been allocated over the next two years as Exceptional Circumstances assistance for the northern wheatbelt in Western Australia.
"Other specific agriculture initiatives funded in this Budget include additional funds for an extension to the Northern Mallee Pipeline, some water infrastructure projects in Tasmania and Beef Expo 2003.
"In terms of infrastructure spending, $90 million of Black Spot funding is to be allocated to regional Australia over the next four years. The National Highway and Roads of National Importance are also to receive increased funding of $137 million over four years. We look forward to this new spending improving the freight and passenger task in rural Australia and we also eagerly await Minister Anderson’s announcements on transport infrastructure later this month" said Mr Donges.
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