In the nine months to March 2000 improved techniques had increased seizures to 442,000. Surveys show that public awareness of Australia s quarantine laws is increasing. In the majority of other cases, the imports did not compete directly with Australian production due to seasonal differences or other factors. The Australian Horticultural Corporation and the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation will be amalgamated into a new company, Horticulture Australia. Let me now turn to other initiatives that will assist rural and regional Australia Rather than spreading resources too thinly on a broad front, the Government is concentrating its efforts on revitalising services in particular, vital areas of community concern.
Health is one of the greatest concerns of people living in regional Australia.
Pharmacists will also receive additional support. 9 new clinical schools will be established in regional areas to encourage country students to follow medical careers and to draw medical students to the country. Every Australian medical faculty will have a school in rural areas. The Government will also create 100 new university places for medical students who enter a bond to practice in rural areas for at least six years. This focus on health does not mean that other areas have been overlooked.