G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
2 November  2021 
(21-8321) Page: 1/22 
Committee on Agriculture  Original: English  
 
 
NOTIFICATION  
The following submission, dated  26 October  2021, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of Australia . The notification concerns new or modified domestic support measures exempt from 
reduction ( Table DS:2 ). 
 
_______________  
 
  G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT : AUSTRALIA  
Notification  under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE  OF MEASURE:  
Providing Farmers with Regional Weather and Climate Guides . 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
The measure is funded under the Australian Government 's Drought Assistance Package, pursuant 
to the Future Drought Fund Act 2019 (Cth) . 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Providing Farmers with Regional Weather and Climate Guides project is part of the Australian 
Government 's Drought Assistance Package, announced on 19 August 2018.  Through the measure, 
the Bureau of Meteorology, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation  (CSIRO) 
and FarmLink Research Ltd (a not for profit private research and extension organisation) deliver 
regional weather and climate guides for farmers and rural communities for 58 Natural Resource 
Management regions across the country.   
The guides help improve the ability of farmers to make quantitative risk management decisi ons, by 
providing access to  localised  information about the likelihood and severity of key weather variables 
that affect the resilience of their businesses and communities.   
Regional Climate and Weather Guides are available at  http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/climate -
guides/ .  
The guides were co -designed with farmers and representatives of rural communities through more 
than 50 workshops held across the country between October 2018 and August 2019.  
The guides present historical climate statistics that compare the past 30 years (1989 -2018) with the 
previous 30 years (1959 -1988), across topics relevant to agriculture including:  
• Average annual and monthly rainfall, and seasonal rainfall reliability ; 
• Frequency of dry, average and wet years ; 
• Timing of autumn break (south)/green date (north) ; 
• Average monthly rates of water loss via evapotranspiration ; 
• Frequency and first and last date of frost ; 
• Frequency of extreme heat events ; 
• Reference to future climate t rends and projections and sources of further climate 
information . 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products . The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex  2 
paragraph 1 and 2d (extension and advisory services).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 2.7 million.  
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
01 October 2018.  
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
End 2019 to ~2025. As the Guides are based on a historical reference period, they will remain 
relevant for approximately 5 years before requiring review and update.  
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table  DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notifica tion under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Sunraysia Modernisation Project Phase 2 (SMP 2). 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
The SMP2 project does not sit under specific legislation.  However, it is being delivered by Lower 
Murray Urban and Rural Water Corporation which is a statutory authority under the Victorian 
Water  Act 1989 . 
 
The proj ect also supports the delivery of actions in the Victorian Government 's Water for Victoria  
plan, which outlines the State 's long -term strategic plan for the management of Victorian water 
resources.  Specifically, the SMP2 project contributes to:  
• Action 4.2:  Invest in rural infrastructure;  
• Action 4.5: Improve water delivery efficiency in irrigation districts.  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
SMP2 will modernise  more than five kilometres of existing public irrigation infrastructure, delivering 
regulators, expanded water culverts, channel lining and raising.   
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products, nor for on -farm water 
infrastructure. The measure is exempt from reduction commitments  under the Agreement 
on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2g (infrastructural services).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 Government expenditure AUD 0.8 million.  
Overall budgeted cost to Government AUD 3.025 million.  
 
The total  project costs is a pproximately AUD 6.9 million with the remaining 
approx.  AUD 3.875  million to be funded by Lower Murray Urban and Rural Water Corporation/private 
investors.  The above figures refer to Commonwealth Government expenditure and budget for the 
project.  
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
November 2018.  
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Early 2019 to late 2019.  
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table  DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification  under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Victoria 's Northern Water Infrastructure Prospectus - Feasibility Projects (Prospectus Feasibility 
Projects) . 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
The five Prospectus Feasibility projects do not sit under specific legislation.  However, three of the 
five projects are delivered by Gou lburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation and the remaining two 
delivered by Lower Murray Urban and Rural Water Corporation which are both statutory authorities 
under the Victorian Water Act 1989 . 
The project also supports the delivery of actions in the Victori an Government 's Water for Victoria  
plan, which outlines the State 's long -term strategic plan for the management of Victorian water 
resources. Specifically, the Prospectus projects contributes to Action 4.1 (support regional 
development and change) under Wa ter for Victoria.  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
Victoria 's Northern Water Infrastructure Prospectus (VNWIP) will identify projects that will provide 
up to 9 billion litres of water savings. The VNWIP will focus on identify ing where upgrades to public 
water infrastructure will improve water resource efficiencies and savings, and deliver positive 
environmental outcomes.   
The five feasibility projects listed below were identified in the VNWIP as potential water savings 
project s that require further development to a business case stage before a decision can be made 
on their implementation. Implementation would be subject to separate Government funding, or 
private investment, and notified under a separate DS:2 as appropriate.  
1. Shepparton East Channel Modernisation – delivered by Goulburn -Murray Rural Water 
Corporation . 
2. Channel Conversion to Stock and Domestic – delivered by Goulburn -Murray Rural Water 
Corporation . 
3. Wakiti Water Loss Recovery project – delivered by Goulburn -Murray Rural Water Corporation  
4. Sunraysia Private Diverters Channel Upgrades – delivered by Lower Murray Urban and Rural 
Water Corporation . 
5. Replacement of Ageing Pipelines and Channels – delivered by Lower Murray Urban and Rural 
Water Corporation . 
 
The Victorian Government  invested AUD 1.05 million to complete the five business cases and develop 
these projects to an investment ready stage.  
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products, nor for on -farm water 
infrastructur e. The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement 
on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2g (infrastructural services).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 1.05 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 1.05 million.  
The above figures refer to Victorian Government expenditure and budget for the project.  
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
June 2019.  
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Mid 2019 to mid -2020.  
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act (1997) (Cth).  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Smart  Farms Small Grants is investing AUD 43.5 million (GST exclusive) through a competitive 
small grants program. Over six years, grants will support the adoption of best practices that improve 
the management and quality of our natural resources. Smar t Farms Small Grants is supporting one 
to two year projects to increase farming, forestry and fishing communities ' awareness, knowledge, 
skills and capacity to adopt best practice sustainable agriculture.   
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture 
pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 5 and 12 (payments under environmental programmes).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2017-18 to 2022 -23 expenditure AUD 43.5 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2017.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2023.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic suppo rt measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
National Landcare Program Smart Farming Partnerships . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act (1997) (Cth).  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The purposes of  the Smart Farming Partnerships are to develop, trial and implement new and 
innovative tools that support industry practice changes that will deliver  more productive and 
profitable agriculture, fishing, aquaculture and farm forestry industries; protect Australia 's 
biodiversity; and protect and improve the condition of natural resources (in particular soils and 
vegetation).   
 
This will  be achieved through grants that deliver against the priority outcomes of increasing the 
number of agriculture and aquaculture entities that have developed, trialled and/or implemented 
innovative practices for maintaining or improving the natural resource base , and increasing the 
percentage of these entities with the awareness, knowledge and skills to manage our soil and 
vegetation resources and biodiversity.   
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture 
pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 5 and 12 (payments under environmental programmes).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2017-18 to 2022 -23 expenditure AUD 57.5 million.  
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2017.  
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2023.  
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
________________________ ___________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Drought Communities Programme Extension (DCP Extension) . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 (Cth).  
 
(3) DETAILED D ESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The DCP  Extension provides funding of AUD 301 million to eligible councils for drought -affected 
regions of Australia. The program supports local community infrastructure and other drought relief 
projects fo r communities impacted by drought. The DCP provides up to AUD 1 million per project to 
eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) for local infrastructure and other drought -related activities 
(including water carting for human consumption) that benefit the com munity.  
Eligible projects aim to provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been 
impacted by drought; stimulate local community spending; use local resources, businesses and 
suppliers; and provide long lasting benefit to communities and the agricu ltural industries on which 
they depend. Funding is not limited to the agricultural sector with benefits to the wider rural 
community.  
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products, nor for on -farm 
infrastructure. The measure i s exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement 
on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2g (infrastructural services).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 89.6 million.  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 89.6 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 301.0 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 August 2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 August 2018 to 30 June 2022.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMES TIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Drought Comm unity Support Initiative (DCSI) Round 2 . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 (Cth).  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The DCSI  Round 2 is providing short -term assistance to eligible farmers, farm workers and farm 
suppliers/contractors living or working in an eligible Drought Communities Programme (DCP) 
Extension Local Government Area (LGA) facing financial hardship as a r esult of the drought. Up to 
AUD 3,000 is available to eligible households as a cash payment to provide practical assistance to 
help cover urgent domestic and household bills such as food, petrol and utilities. Only one DCSI 
Round 2 payment is allowed per h ousehold.   
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture 
pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 5 and 6 (decoupled income support).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 31.985 million.  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 148.5 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 148.5 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
21 November 2019 (date of program commencement).  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
21 November 2019 to 30 April 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BEN EFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
National Water Infrastructure Development Fund . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Funding for projects approved under the Fund is provided in accorda nce with section 71 of the Public 
Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Funding for approved projects 
will be provided to States and Territories through bilateral schedules to the National Partnership for 
the National Water Infras tructure Development Fund – Capital and Feasibility Components  under 
the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 .  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Australian Government established the National Water Infrastructure Develop ment Fund as a 
rolling 10 -year water infrastructure program to fund water infrastructure investments. An additional 
AUD 2 billion in capital funding was announced as part of the 2020 -21 Federal Budget, bringing the 
Australian Government 's total funding com mitment under the Fund to AUD 3.5 billion.  
The National Water Infrastructure Development Fund will support Australian state and territory 
governments invest in regionally significant water infrastructure projects that increase Australia 's 
national water security and build drought resilience.  
Funding is only available to Australian state and territory governments. No funding is provided to 
producers or processors of agricultural products, nor for on -farm infrastructure. The measure is 
exempt from red uction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to 
Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2g (infrast ructur al services).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 70.538 million.  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 53.917 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 3.5 bill ion (until the end of 2030).  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
The National Water Infrastructure Development Fund was announced through the White Paper on 
Developing Northern Australia and Agricultural Competitiveness in 2015.  In the 2020 -21 Budget, 
the Aust ralian Government announced that it is investing an additional AUD 2 billion over the next 
10 years for water infrastructure, bringing the total commitment through the Fund to AUD 3.5 billion 
since the establishment of the Fund.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
2018-19 until 2030.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy - Improvements to Access Premium Markets - Improve 
Biosecurity  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper/MYEFO 2015 -16 Budget . 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
This initiative implemented by the Australian Government 's Department of Agricul ture, Water and 
the Environment will help improve biosecurity surveillance and analysis capability to increase the 
ability to manage biosecurity risk in a more targeted and timely manner and provide supporting 
evidence for accessing new and maintaining exi sting markets. The initiative will better assure trading 
partners that Australia 's produce is high -quality, safe and free of pests, diseases and weeds and 
respond to increasing expectations of robust traceability systems to verify product integrity at all 
steps along the supply chain.  
A number of surveillance measures will be delivered through this funding including the identification 
of priority pest and diseases and/or regions to better guide investment. It also includes designing 
and implementing survei llance methods and technologies to help address current gaps and builds 
on successful existing program to improve capability to support surveillance efforts.  
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex  2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 34.1 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2015.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Nov 2015 to June 2019.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Enhancing Australia 's Biosecurity System - Priority Pest And Disease Planning And 
Response  (PPDPR) - Diagnostic & Reference Laboratory . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
2018-19 PBS Budget.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
This initiative aims  to develop reference laboratory capability (including personnel, equipment and 
protocols) for providing diagnostics for priority and emergency plant pests. This will strengthen 
Australia 's ability to diagnose exotic and emerging plant pests more efficient ly and to support 
detection and response to new pest incursions, improve pest status information and support 
interstate and international trade. This initiative is administered by the Australian Government 's 
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environ ment.  
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-22 expenditure AUD 2.835 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 14.387 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Jul 2018 to Ongoing.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Enhancing Australia 's Biosecurity System - Priority Pest and Disease Planning and Response (PPDPR) 
Surveillance Implementation . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATIO N REFERENCE:  
2018-19 PBS Budget . 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
This initiative  aims to strengthen Australia 's ability to prevent, prepare, detect and respond to 
emergency and emerging priority pests and diseases by reduci ng the likelihood of a pest or disease 
entering or establishing in Australia and by mitigating the impact of those pests and diseases. This 
initiative is administered by the Australian Government 's Department of Agriculture, Water and the 
Environment.  
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-22 expenditure AUD 3.85 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 14.39 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
2018 to ongoing.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Smart Fruit Fly Management (SFFM) measure . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
2018-19 MYEFO Budget Measure.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The measure  is to support a proposal for a harmonised national approach to the management and 
trade regulation concerning fruit fly pests and will be administered by the Australian Government 's 
Department of Agriculture, Water and th e Environment.  The focus of the work under the measure is 
to: 
 
• strengthen the capability, capacity and resilience of Australia 's fruit fly management 
system  
• facilitate the national harmonisation of fruit fly management activities with international 
standards  
• underpin, extend knowledge and support activities with technical and scientific advice, 
including research activities  
• ensure all participants are aware of their shared responsibility for strengthening the 
Australian fruit fly manage ment system, while maintaining and improving market access 
with valued international trading partners.  
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products.  The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agri culture pursuant to Annex  2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
The proposal provides funding of AUD 0.2 million over two years.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2018-19. 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
The Program is ongoing, however the Administered funding ceased in June 2020.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or mo dified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Smart Fruit Fly Management (SFFM) - Collaborative National Approach . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
2018-19 MYEFO Budget Measure.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The measure will support a proposed agreement between the Australian Government and the State 
and Territory Governments for harmonizing an d enhancing fruit fly management. As part of the 
agreement, the Australian Government will support research and development (R&D) activities into 
fruit fly management, and pilot programs to identify and demonstrate effective fruit fly management 
techniques . This measure is administered by the Australian Government 's Department of 
Agriculture, Water and the Environment.  
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products.  The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agre ement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
The proposal provides funding of AUD 6.5 million over four years (2018 -19 to 2021 -22). 
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2018-19. 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
The program is scheduled to cease on 30 June 2022.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Queensland State Government: Natural  Resources Investment Program: Farm Water Futures 
Component . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Nil. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Farm  Water Futures Program (FWF) is a three -year program being delivered within the 
Queensland Government 's Natural Resource Investment Program 2018 -2022 (NRIP). It is the 
successor measure of the now ceased Queensland Rural Water Use Efficiency – Irrigation Futures 
program 2013 -18, notified in Australia 's previous Domestic Support notifi cations.   
 
While NRIP  is a four -year program, the Queensland Government is providing FWF funding over 3 
years (2018 -2021) to enable Queensland 's key irrigator groups to access advice and support on 
addressing the challenge of water efficiency. The program supports:   
 
- Partnerships with industry and its member organisations to deliver water efficiency support 
and design advice to farmers  
- On-ground adoption of rural water use efficient activities, while working towards a self -
sufficient funding model over the three year period.  
 
No funding  is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products.  The measure is 
exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to 
Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2d (extension and advisory services) . 
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 0.555 million.  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.500 million.  
2020-21 expenditure (projected) AUD 0.500 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
2018-2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
____________ _______________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Taste Victoria Initiative . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Nil. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Taste Victoria Initiative is a AUD 15 million investment by the Victorian Government to grow our 
international profile, competitiveness and export opportunities for Victoria 's agri -food sector through 
the delivery of two new programs – Global Table, an d Growing Food and Fibre Markets – which will 
deliver marketing and promotion services to build export capability across Victoria 's agri -food supply 
chain and better capture market opportunities.   
Global Table is focused on repositioning business events an d branding, and the promotion of Victoria 
to an international audience. The Growing Food and Fibre Markets program will strategically 
reposition the Victorian agriculture, food and fibre sector to better capture market opportunities and 
increase our global  share of agri -food trade. It will strengthen technical biosecurity and food safety 
capability, with a focus on traceability and product integrity systems.  
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex  2 
paragraph 1 and 2f (marketing and promotion services).   
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-21 expenditure AUD 15 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 15 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2018 - 30 June 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Significant Disease Investigation (S DI) program . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Nil. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Victorian  Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) Program aims to boost Victoria 's capacity for 
the early detection of such diseases in livestock and wildlife by increasing the participation of vets 
and assisting with the cost of investigating significant diseases.  
Under the Program, assistance is provided by Agriculture Victoria for the initial field investigation, 
including clinical and post -mortem evaluation, laboratory testing and a follow -up investigation of 
significant disease events in livestock and wildlife.  
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural prod ucts. The measure is 
exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to 
Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 0.235 million.  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.234 million . 
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.240 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2015.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2015 - 30 June 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Managing Fruit Fly in Victoria Action Plan 2015 -2020 - Regional Action Plan Grants  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Nil. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Victorian Government provides funding to support regional and community action for improved 
awareness and management of Queensland fruit fly, including early warning systems, quarantine 
and eradication.  
This program has supported action by the regional groups which include horticulture industry 
associations, local g overnment, and the community to monitor fruit fly population, improve regional 
management and community awareness and control of fruit fly. The program funded Regional 
Coordinators in three horticultural regions to implement regional plans for awareness an d control of 
Queensland fruit fly. The program funded large scale community engagement programs, fruit fly 
monitoring and control activities.  
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction c ommitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2018-2021 expenditure AUD 5.20 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
December 2017.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Decembe r 2017 to 30 June 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Northern Australia Rice Industry Gra nt 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (Cth).  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Australian  Government is providing AUD 4 million over four years (2017 – 2020) for investment 
in research and development into the viability of commercial rice production in northern Australia. 
The measure is implemented by the Australian Government 's Department of Agriculture, Water and 
the Environment. Funding will be/was provided to A grifutures Australia, one of the rural research 
and development corporations (RDCs).   
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant t o Annex  2 
paragraph 1 and 2a (research).  
The purpose of the Grant is to invest in research and development to investigate the viability for 
growing rice in northern Australia. Activities funded through the measures are expected to achieve 
the following obj ectives:  
• Identification of improved farming, processing systems and rice varieties to suit conditions 
in northern Australian for commercially viable and sustainable rice production.  
• Improve knowledge and understanding among research staff in northern Austr alia, and 
provide extension services for producers, with respect to rice production in northern 
Australia.  
 
Activities under the grant consist of projects that investigate the development of a rice industry in 
northern Australia include research into and d evelopment of:  
 
• Varietal breeding and selection  
• Pests and disease  
• Agronomy  
• Adoption  
• Post-harvest handling.  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2017-20 expenditure AUD 4.00 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 4.00 million (excluding GST) over four years.  
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
08 May 2017.  
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
08 May 2017 to 30 June 2020.  
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
Rice (HS code 1006).  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of t he Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Mining to Plant Enterprise (MINTOPE)  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE : 
The Australian Government has responsibility for the external territories of Christmas Island and the 
Cocos (Keeling) Islands,  collectively known as the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). The Australian 
Government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Tr ansport, Regional Development and 
Communications (DITRDC), facilitates the delivery of services normally expected from a state 
government. This is supported by the Christmas Island Act 1958 (Cth).   
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRI TERIA:  
The MINTOPE project is a joint venture between Phosphate Resources Limited (a mining company) 
and Murdoch University (An Australian university) to investigate the viability of agricultural 
production on spent mining lease sites. MINTOPE will investi gate if soil from spent (closed) mine 
sites, along with the local climate, have the potential to sustain crop development and rehabilitate 
the environmental condition, and future socio -economic value, of the spent mine site.  
This project is funded through  an ad -hoc grant provided to Murdoch University and administered 
by DITRDC. No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The 
measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture 
pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2a (research).  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
This grant provided AUD 450,000 over financial years 2016 -17, 2017 -18, and 2018 -2019.   
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
This grant was signed between the (then) Department of Infrastructure and Reg ional Development 
(now DITRDC) and Murdoch University on 2 June 2017.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
This grant ended on 31 December 2019.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific products.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
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  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPOR T: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Pest Animal, Invasive Plants and Disease Control  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Australian Capital Territory Plant Diseases Act 2002 . 
Australian Capital Territory Animal Diseases Act 2005 . 
Australian Capital Territory Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 . 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFER ENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Government  of the Australian Capital Territory 's (ACT) Environment, Planning and Sustainable 
Development Directorate is responsible for building resilience in the landscape and environment to 
preserve the ACT 's heritage and achieve improved conservation outcomes. The Directorate is 
responsible for developing, administering and overseeing the implementation of biosecurity, 
agricultural, environmental and conservation legislation, plans, strategies and policies t o support 
industry and the environment.  
 
The ACT Government uses the funding to provide a range of services and support to assist farmers ' 
management of pest animals, invasive plants and disease control measures, including:  
• Joint weed control programs inc luding invasive plants such as African Lovegrass and 
Serrated Tussock;  
• Coordination of pest animal control programs such as fox, wild dog and pig baiting;  
• Veterinary advice and support including animal disease and internal parasite management.  
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products. The measure is exempt 
from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 
paragraph 1 and 2b (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2017-18 expenditur e AUD 115,000.  
2018-19 expenditure AUD 115,000.  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 115,000.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 345,000.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2017.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Ongoing from 1 July 2017.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/141  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Tasmanian Irrigation - Tranche 3 Irrigation Scheme Development Feasibility Studies . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 (Cth).  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
Feasibility  studies to identify viable projects with a view to developing a third tranche of public 
irrigation in frastructure projects for construction under a public/private capital funding model to 
address water resource sustainability in Tasmania. The scheme and associated studies are managed 
by Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Limited, a State -owned Company responsible f or development and 
operation of a suite of irrigation schemes in Tasmania. Tranche 2 was notified in Australia 's Domestic 
Support notification for FY 2017 -18. 
 
No funding is provided to producers or processors of agricultural products, nor for on -farm wate r 
infrastructure. The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement 
on Agriculture pursuant to Annex 2 paragraph 1 and 2g (infrastructural services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
AUD 1.8 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
17 July 2017.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
17 November 2018 - 30 June 2019.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 
 
__________