Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2)
I, WARREN ERROL TRUSS, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, make this instrument under subsection 52A (1) of the Farm Household Support Act 1992.
Dated 29 June 2000
WARREN TRUSS
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
1 Name of instrument
This instrument is the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2).
2 Commencement
This instrument commences on 1 July 2000.
3 Amendment of Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997
Schedule 1 amends the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997.
Schedule 1 Amendments
Do not delete: Schedule Part Placeholder
(section 3)
[1] Section 2.2
omit
30 June 2000
insert
30 November 2003
[2] Paragraph 3.2 (1) (baa)
omit
1 July 2001
insert
1 December 2004
[3] Paragraph 3.2 (1) (f)
omit
$157,500
insert
$167 500
[4] Subsection 3.6 (1)
omit
$90,000
insert
$100 000
[5] Subsection 3.6 (1)
omit
$45,000
insert
$45 000
[6] Subsection 3.6 (2)
substitute
(2) If the value of the person’s net assets, plus any restart income support paid to the person or the person’s partner, is more than $100 000, but less than $167 500, the amount payable is:
$45 000 – 2/3(N – $100 000) – RIS
where:
N is the value (in dollars) of the person’s net assets.
RIS is the total amount (in dollars) of:
(a) any payments of restart income support paid to the person; and
(b) any payments of restart income support paid to the person’s partner.
Overview
The Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2) was enacted on 29 June 2000 by Warren Truss, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, under the Farm Household Support Act 1992. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for adjustments to the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997, providing a structured means to support farmers and their families who are in need of financial assistance to re-establish or restart their farming operations. The policy objective of the amendment was to extend the eligibility period and modify the financial thresholds and calculation methods to better cater to the needs of those affected by adverse circumstances in the agricultural sector.
The amendment, which came into effect on 1 July 2000, primarily extended the eligibility period for the scheme from 30 June 2000 to 30 November 2003 and adjusted financial parameters such as the maximum allowable net assets and the restart income support payments. The changes were aimed at ensuring that the scheme remained effective and relevant in providing necessary support to farmers facing significant challenges in their operations.
Scope and Application
The Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2) modifies the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997, which is designed to provide financial assistance to farm households affected by adverse conditions. This legislative instrument applies to individuals and entities involved in farming activities within the jurisdiction governed by the Farm Household Support Act 1992. Specifically, it targets farm households that have experienced a significant downturn in their financial situation due to circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters or significant market fluctuations. The amendment adjusts the eligibility criteria and financial thresholds for receiving the Restart Re-establishment Grant, extending the period during which the grants can be applied for and increasing the financial limits for net assets and restart income support. The instrument operates nationally within Australia, as it is an amendment to a Commonwealth Act. However, the application and distribution of the grants may be subject to state and territory regulations and conditions. Notably, this amendment does not introduce any new exclusions or exemptions beyond those already specified in the original scheme. The application of the amended scheme may also be subject to further adjustments or clarifications through subordinate instruments or regulations issued under the authority of the Farm Household Support Act 1992.
Key Provisions
The Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2) amends the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997, primarily by extending the scheme's duration and adjusting financial thresholds and payments. The amendments are detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument. For example, Section 2.2 extends the end date from 30 June 2000 to 30 November 2003 (item 1), and paragraph 3.2(1)(baa) extends the effective date of another condition from 1 July 2001 to 1 December 2004 (item 2). Financial limits are also adjusted: the maximum amount of net assets allowable under certain conditions is increased from $157,500 to $167,500 (item 3), and the maximum payment amount is increased from $90,000 to $100,000 (item 4). Additionally, the calculation for payments between $100,000 and $167,500 is specified in a new subsection 3.6(2) (item 6).
Under this amended legislation, the obligations of parties include adhering to the new dates and financial thresholds. Beneficiaries of the Restart Re-establishment Grant must now comply with the extended scheme duration and the adjusted financial limits. The new calculation for payments ensures that individuals with net assets between $100,000 and $167,500 receive an appropriate amount of financial support. These adjustments require beneficiaries to provide accurate information about their net assets and any restart income support received.
Breaches of the conditions set out in the Restart Re-establishment Grant Scheme 1997 may lead to civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the instrument, breaches of similar schemes generally result in fines or other penalties as stipulated in the primary legislation or relevant regulations. It is important for parties to ensure compliance to avoid any legal repercussions.