Also, due to our latitude, and the relatively low elevation of the nation, winters are relatively warm. There is no 'freeze up' or snow, or extended dormancy period. They will grow through the winter, for a spring harvest. This means that the equipment has to be very robust, and have a 'stump jump' capability. In the past much of the N. American equipment has not been tough enough to withstand our conditions.
Australian agriculture is a 'free market' system.
There is no CRP, no EEP, no Conservation Compliance, and no drought insurance. We are subject to local and world market forces in the entire agricultural sector. In recent years however there have been temporary Govt. In some cases welfare is payable for a period while this process is carried out. To encourage conservation farming there are some taxation incentives on specified capital purchases, as well as an active promotional program dubbed the 'Landcare' movement.