Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) (No. 1) Commencement Proclamation 2019

Overview

The Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) (No. 1) Act 2019 was enacted to address the pressing financial challenges faced by farm households due to prolonged drought and adverse weather conditions. This legislation was introduced to provide immediate financial relief and support to farmers who have been significantly impacted by the ongoing drought, thereby ensuring their ongoing viability and stability. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia and received royal assent on 12 December 2019. The policy objective of the Act is to provide urgent financial assistance to farm households, helping to alleviate immediate financial pressures and supporting the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) (No. 1) Commencement Proclamation 2019 specifies that the Act commenced on 16 December 2019.

Scope and Application

The Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) (No. 1) Commencement Proclamation 2019 pertains to the commencement of the Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) Act (No. 1) 2019, establishing the date from which the Act will take effect. The Act applies to entities within the agricultural sector, particularly those that can be classified as farm households, and is concerned with providing relief measures aimed at supporting these entities during times of financial stress or economic hardship. The proclamation sets the commencement date as 16 December 2019, thereby enabling the provisions of the Act to be enforceable from that day forward. The jurisdiction of this Act is national, as it is a Commonwealth legislation. The Act is designed to support the agricultural sector broadly, without specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned within the proclamation, although the detailed provisions of the Act itself may contain such provisions. The proclamation itself does not extend or restrict the application beyond the specified commencement date, although the Act itself may be subject to further regulation or amendments through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) (No. 1) Commencement Proclamation 2019 (No. F2019N00105) sets forth the commencement date for the Farm Household Support Amendment (Relief Measures) Act (No. 1) 2019. Section 1 of the Proclamation, signed by the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General, on 12 December 2019, specifies that the Act will commence on 16 December 2019. This means that all provisions within the Act will come into effect on this date, enabling the relief measures aimed at supporting farm households. Under the Act, several key provisions are introduced to provide relief to farm households. For example, Section 2 may outline specific financial support measures, while Section 3 could detail adjustments to tax obligations or other financial assistance. These provisions are designed to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farm households, particularly in times of economic distress. The Act aims to provide a structured and timely response to the challenges faced by these households, ensuring they receive the necessary support to sustain their operations. The obligations imposed by the Act primarily target farm households and relevant authorities. Farm households must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Act to qualify for the relief measures. This might include demonstrating a certain level of financial hardship or specific operational challenges. Authorities responsible for administering the relief measures, such as the Department of Agriculture, are obligated to process applications, assess eligibility, and disburse the financial support in accordance with the Act. They must also ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of relief funds. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can result in various consequences. For instance, if a farm household provides false information to qualify for relief, this could be considered an offence under Section 4, leading to potential fines or other penalties. The Act may also specify civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance by authorities, ensuring accountability and integrity in the administration of the relief measures. The maximum penalties for such breaches are outlined in the Act, providing a clear framework for enforcement and deterrence against non-compliance.