Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 1999 (No. 2)

Overview

The Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 1999 (No. 2), made under the authority of the Farm Household Support Act 1992 by Warren Truss, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, aims to address specific issues arising from the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997. Enacted on 22 December 1999, this legislative instrument is part of a broader legislative effort to provide support to farm households, particularly in the context of restructuring or re-establishing farming operations. The policy objective behind this amendment is to provide a more flexible and supportive framework for farmers by extending certain eligibility criteria and timelines, ensuring that the assistance provided under the Scheme is both timely and relevant to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. This amendment is a response to the need for adjustments in the original Scheme to better support farm households during a period of significant change and potential financial strain.

Scope and Application

The Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 1999 (No. 2) applies to the operation and administration of the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997, which was established under the Farm Household Support Act 1992. This legislative instrument specifically targets farmers and farming entities that are seeking financial support to re-establish their farming operations after a period of inactivity or hardship. The amendment extends the eligibility criteria for the grants by adjusting the timeframe for the sale of farming assets, allowing for the completion of such sales before 1 July 2001, thereby providing a broader opportunity for farmers to access the scheme. The amendment is applicable nationally across Australia, affecting all states and territories within the Commonwealth. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this amendment; however, the primary focus remains on providing financial assistance to eligible farming entities. The scope and application of this amendment are further defined and potentially extended by subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Farm Household Support Act 1992.

Key Provisions

The Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 1999 (No. 2), made under the Farm Household Support Act 1992, primarily modifies the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997. Section 3 of the instrument details that the amendment of the 1997 Scheme is to be effected as per Schedule 1. The commencement of this amendment is aligned with the commencement of item 2 of Schedule 1 to the Farm Household Support Amendment Act 1999, as outlined in section 2 of the instrument. The Schedule itself contains specific amendments to the 1997 Scheme, with changes such as adjusting the date from 30 November 1999 to 30 June 2000 (Schedule 1, amendment [1]) and introducing a new condition for grants, specifying that the sale must be completed before 1 July 2001 (Schedule 1, amendment [2]). The obligations imposed by this legislation require parties involved in the grant scheme to adhere to the new dates and conditions set forth in the amendments. Specifically, the amended Scheme necessitates that any sale related to the grant must be finalised before 1 July 2001. This change introduces a stricter timeline for the completion of sales, which must be strictly followed to qualify for the grant. Additionally, the new effective date of 30 June 2000 must be observed by all parties, ensuring that the timing of applications and approvals aligns with the updated provisions. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 1999 (No. 2) may result in civil or criminal consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Although specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of agricultural legislation can typically result in fines, legal action, or other administrative penalties. It is essential for all parties to carefully review and adhere to the amended terms to avoid any adverse legal ramifications.