Farm Household Support Amendment Act 1999

Overview

The Farm Household Support Amendment Act 1999, assented to on 22 December 1999, is an amendment to the Farm Household Support Act 1992 enacted by the Parliament of Australia. This Act was introduced to address the need to end farm household support and restart income support for farm households, aligning with broader economic and social policy objectives of the time. The primary objective, as articulated in the Minister's speeches during the second reading in the House of Representatives and the Senate, is to transition farm households from specific support mechanisms to a more generalised income support system. This legislative change reflects a shift in policy to better integrate agricultural support within the broader framework of social welfare provisions. The Act commenced on the date of Royal Assent, with specific provisions retroactively applying from 1 December 1999 to ensure a smooth transition for affected parties.

Scope and Application

The Farm Household Support Amendment Act 1999 amends the Farm Household Support Act 1992, and it applies to all entities and individuals who were previously covered under the original Act. This includes farm households, which are the primary focus of the legislation, as well as other related entities that might have been involved in farm household support mechanisms. The geographic reach of this Act is national, as it applies across Australia, given the federal nature of the legislation. The Act primarily concerns itself with the cessation of farm household support and the transition to a new income support system, thereby affecting industries and conduct associated with agricultural support and welfare. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the provided excerpt; however, it is likely that such details are further delineated in the amended sections of the Farm Household Support Act 1992. The application of the Act can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, such as regulations or rules, which are not detailed in the provided text but would be necessary for the effective implementation of the legislative changes.

Key Provisions

The Farm Household Support Amendment Act 1999 primarily amends the Farm Household Support Act 1992 by ending farm household support and restarting income support. The changes introduced by this Act are outlined in Schedule 1. Section 6C is repealed, which previously dealt with certain aspects of farm household support. Additionally, the note under subsection 52A(2) is also repealed, which likely provided further clarification or context for the provisions of subsection 52A(2). These changes signify a shift from farm household support to a focus on income support for farm households. The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities it governs, primarily through the amendments to the Farm Household Support Act 1992. By repealing section 6C and the note under subsection 52A(2), the Act alters the legal framework governing farm household support. The changes compel relevant authorities and stakeholders to adhere to the new provisions regarding income support for farm households. This shift requires adjustments in how support is administered and how eligibility is determined under the revised legal landscape. Under the Farm Household Support Amendment Act 1999, there are potential consequences for non-compliance with the amended provisions. While the Act itself does not explicitly state specific offences or penalties, breaches of the amended Farm Household Support Act 1992 could result in civil or criminal penalties depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The maximum penalties would be determined by the provisions of the Farm Household Support Act 1992, as amended by this Act. It is crucial for entities governed by the Act to ensure compliance to avoid any adverse legal ramifications.