May 14, 2017
SA Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA) reviews Federal Budget
It is a mixed
bag - the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA) welcomes a number of measures contained
in the federal budget handed down this week while other matters are of concern.
The Instant
asset write off has been extended for 12 months – Businesses with a turnover of
less than $10 million will remain eligible for accelerated depreciation arrangements
for assets valued at less than $20,000 until 30 June 2018. This extends the
instant asset write off for 12 months and also widens the eligibility.
Extended
eligibility for the Farm Business Concessional Loans Scheme could be a
positive. Farmers and their partners who have received their full entitlement
for Farm Household Allowance and do not receive other income support could be eligible
for loans up to 50 per cent of their debt position, up to a maximum of $1
million for refinancing purposes. The
funding of an election commitment to establish the Regional Investment
Corporation will streamline the delivery of concessional loans in South
Australia.
SADA is
concerned that the increased visa charges (Skilling Australians Fund Levy) for
businesses who employ overseas workers will have an impact on many dairy
businesses. Many have been required to employ overseas workers over the last
decade as it has become more difficult to find local employees. Now is not the
time for the government to be adding extra taxes on dairy businesses.
It is
disappointing that there is no new money for mobile phone blackspots. There is
also no recognition of the “data drought” experienced by many dairy businesses
and others in regional Australia.
The
Australian Livestock Exporters Council will receive $8.3 million to implement
the Livestock Exports Global Assurance Program (LGAP).
The funding
allocated for Bioregional assessments and for Energy for the Future is a clear
recognition of dairy farmer concerns about the risk to farmer’s land and water
resources posed by unconventional gas development.
The Federal
Government has promised $1.1 billion to the Landcare program over the next
seven years. This includes the extra $100 million announced last December,
promised as part of a deal to win the Greens’ support for the contentious
backpacker tax. Of that $100 million, $85 million has been allocated for
on-the-ground projects by Landcare groups; to support the work of Landcare
Australia and the National Landcare Network; and for sustainable agriculture
grants.
Regional
Growth Fund - $272 million over four years for major regional projects to
support structural adjustment and $200 million for the Building Better Regions
Fund may have benefit to dairy regions into the future.