Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Minister, the 2013-14 budget strengthens the foundation of Australian agriculture. It prepares our farmers for future challenges and lays groundwork for opportunities for rural Australia, particularly now, in the Asian century. The budget, as you have outlined, will make farmers stronger and better prepared for the future and will enable them to access more opportunities, both here and overseas.

I note that the budget makes provision for the historic Farm Finance package, which will help alleviate pressures of debt and provide targeted financial assistance for farmers, particularly when they need it.

At the moment, when you look through my area, you see we have a pretty strong green drought. The grass is green but there is not much cover, which is making it difficult for farmers. Minister Ludwig was exactly right when he said that viable farmers cannot grow if they are held back by unmanageable debt. Farm finance responds to that. I hope that the Victorian government gets off its backside and works with the Gillard government to deliver this opportunity, which I note even the VFF—the training ground for national MPs, their apprenticeship factory—has urged them to do.

Honourable member interjecting—

He will be the fourth president in a row who has gone into that and the VFF says they are not political. The budget also funds the next stage of the government's plan for Australian agriculture, preparing for the future. The Gillard government's National Drought Program Reform gives farmers the tools they need to prepare for drought. We know over the years just how bad drought has been across this country and the issues it has caused in rural Australia. I am pleased to see that the budget has made provision for the $99.4 million farm household assistance to support farmers through hardship. This is very important for our farmers. We look forward to the states finalising their contribution to the National Drought Program Reform, including the farm business training and the social support.

The budget also confirms $429 million for the Carbon Farming Futures Program. That is taking the best abatement and greenhouse gas reduction research and converting it to use on farms. The Gillard government has continued our commitment to research development and extension funding. The budget also includes $238.2 million for the Research and Development Corporation, Minister Ludwig has told us. Investing in RD&E and ensuring that an environment which encourages innovation is vital to Australian farmers. They can capitalise on the Asian century.

I note that the budget continues this government's commitment to biosecurity reform. We know that a modern, world-class biosecurity system is a gateway to global marketplaces. Because of our strong biosecurity system, our farmers get the opportunity to invest and trade in the world's best markets, while also managing the risks which come with increased passenger and cargo movements into the country. The 2013-14 budget demonstrates the Gillard government's plan for Australian agriculture so that our farmers can keep feeding Australians and the world.

The budget keeps our economy strong, makes the smart investments for our future and ensures that every Australian gets a fair go. We are investing for the future, putting jobs and economic growth first and protecting the important services that Australians rely on. My question to you, Minister, is: can you advise the chamber on the status and design and construction of the state-of-the-art, post-entry quarantine facility announced in last year's budget in the seat of McEwen?

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