National Drought Policy Review
In April 2008 the Federal government announced they would conduct a comprehensive national review of drought policy through three separate investigations, to help prepare farmers and local communities for climate change. The review will be comprised of three components; an economic assessment by the Productivity Commission, an assessment of the social impacts of drought by an expert panel, and a climatic assessment by the Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO. This review is completely separate to the ongoing review of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declarations in NSW, and the Federal Agricultural Minister noted that “…this review will not affect anyone currently receiving drought support; their assistance will continue unchanged.” Click here for information on the review of EC declarations.
Click here to view National Drought Policy Review - overview
Economic Assessment
The productivity Commission has released its issues paper titled Inquiry into government Drought Support. A copy of the paper and information on the economic assessment is available from the Productivity Commission website
Click here for a copy of the Association’s submission to the Productivity Commission...
Social Assessment
An Expert Panel has been appointed to conduct the social assessment. More information on the social assessment including the issues paper and dates and locations of public forums is available on the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry website
On 23 October, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, released the Expert Social Panel’s report on its assessment of the social impacts of drought on farm families and rural communities. A copy of the report can be found on the following website http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/national_review_of_drought_policy/social_assessment/dryness-report
Click here for a copy of the Association’s submission to the Expert Social Panel...
Climatic Assessment
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) conducted the climatic assessment. The Association has produced a summary note on the report available - click here. The full copy of the report is available from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry website.
