6 March 2009
DAFF09/213B

The Government has received the final Productivity Commission report into the economic impact of drought, as part of its national review of drought policy.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said it was the last of three reports commissioned by the Government to inform the review.

A draft Productivity Commission report was released in October 2008 for further consultation.

In accordance with the Productivity Commission Act, the final report will be tabled in the Parliament within 25 sitting days.

The Government will now consider in detail the recommendations from all three reports – from the Productivity Commission, the expert social panel and the Bureau of Meteorology / CSIRO – and extensive feedback from public consultation.

“The Government is committed to helping farmers to plan for the future and better prepare for climate change,” Mr Burke said.

“There is widespread reognition that the current system is unfair, creates uncertainty and doesn’t allow for assistance to be provided until farmers reach crisis point.

“We need to provide greater support to rural communities and build a strong future for rural Australia.

“As the Government has consistently emphasised, we have guaranteed that the rules will not change for anyone currently receiving assistance.”

It is expected that the reports will be considered as part of the 2009-10 Federal Budget process.