Analysis
In 2019–20, regional Australia was exposed to a number of acute stresses, including drought, floods, bushfires and economic and social disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PM&C played a vital role in the rapid responses to these challenges and the delivery of tailored support to regional communities.
PM&C assisted in the development of the Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan, launched in November 2019. The Department provided timely and practical advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on supporting communities in regional Australia affected by drought and building resilience and prepare for future droughts.
Effective and sustainable water policy continued to be a priority for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. PM&C established the National Water Grid Authority on 1 October 2019. The Department worked in partnership with the Authority to establish the National Water Grid Advisory Body and progressed development of the investment framework to guide the Commonwealth’s future water infrastructure investments.
The Australian bushfires of 2019–2020 devastated vast regions across rural and regional Australia. On 6 January 2020, the Prime Minister established the National Bushfire Recovery Agency (NBRA) within PM&C.
The NBRA focused on connecting people, communities, primary producers and businesses with the services and assistance they need, to rebuild and recover. It is responsible for coordinating the National Bushfire Recovery Fund to support recovery efforts across Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic compounded existing challenges faced by communities affected by bushfire and drought. The ensuing global economic downturn put further pressure on regional Australia as farmers and communities responded to a shift in demand for Australian produce and exports. PM&C collaborated effectively with industry and governments to introduce measures for economic support and post-pandemic recovery.
In 2019–20, PM&C achieved its purpose of delivering for regional Australia and the environment. We achieved all five performance measures under this purpose. Achievement of Purpose 2 is supported by evaluation through case studies and results presented for each activity.
Results: Key Activity 2.1
| Key activity | Through our role co-leading the National Waste and Recycling Taskforce, work to give effect to the COAG commitment to establish a timetable to ban the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres, while building Australia’s capacity to generate high-value recycled commodities and associated demand. | |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | PM&C provides advice and practical recommendations to assist the Prime Minister in building consensus through COAG to implement, monitor and enforce an export ban on waste plastic, glass and tyres. | |
| Target | Quality of advice received supports the Prime Minister in his leadership role, as Chair of COAG, to shift the underlying economic and regulatory barriers to waste avoidance, reuse and recycling. | |
|
Source |
Corporate Plan 2019–2023, pp. 9–10 |
|
|
Result |
Achieved |
|
|
Methodology |
Evaluation through case study |
|
|
Analysis |
In 2019–20, PM&C co-led the National Waste and Recycling Taskforce to support COAG and the Government’s commitment to implement a waste export ban. The Department provided quality advice on policy, procurement, research and data on recycling infrastructure. PM&C’s achievements against this measure PM&C played an instrumental role in supporting the Prime Minister in his leadership role as Chair of COAG to develop an export ban timetable on waste plastic, glass and tyres. PM&C provided coordinated advice and practical recommendations and supported state and territory governments’ response strategy in COAG. PM&C supported the Prime Minister by providing quality advice on the underlying economic and regulatory issues relating to waste and recycling—for example, to support the $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund for investment in recycling and re-manufacturing infrastructure. (Refer to the following case study). |
|
Driving waste and recycling outcomes through COAG
On 9 August 2019, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to establish a timetable to ban the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres, while building Australia’s capacity to generate high-value recycled commodities and associated demand.
By banning waste exports, Australia took responsibility for managing our waste. Leaders agreed to support industry to increase domestic re-processing capacity, which will help to create jobs while diverting waste flows from landfill and the environment.
PM&C played a central role in supporting the Prime Minister to settle the timetable for the ban and governments’ coordinated response strategy at the COAG meeting on 13 March 2020.
PM&C co-led a cross-agency taskforce with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, drawing on expertise to develop cross-portfolio policy initiatives to implement the ban and support Australian industry through the transition phase. PM&C deployed Project Office staff to the taskforce to provide technical support on structured policy analysis and project planning. The Department also provided expertise in inter-jurisdictional collaboration.
In addition, PM&C provided high-quality advice to the Prime Minister, his office and senior officials on policy options to help increase capacity and demand for recycled products. PM&C used cross-portfolio policy levers, such as procurement, research and data, to support the Government’s waste and recycling objectives and identify the most impactful response initiatives. These initiatives include the $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund to support innovative investment in new infrastructure to sort, process and re-manufacture materials; $24.6 million to improve national waste data; and making recycled products a focus of government procurement. PM&C played a key role, working with the taskforce to build on previous inter-jurisdictional work on the National Waste Policy Action Plan.
PM&C continues working with the taskforce to improve regulatory arrangements to incentivise better waste management and recycling practices and to develop the legislative framework to implement the first phase of the ban (glass) by 1 January 2021.
Results: Key Activity 2.2
| Key activity | Continue to support Commonwealth agencies to deliver the Government’s water infrastructure priorities, which aim to provide regional communities, farmers and industries with more secure, reliable and cost-effective water supplies. | |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | The Prime Minister, the Cabinet, responsible ministers and agencies receive coordinated advice to inform policy development and support the implementation of the Government’s key priorities and activities. | |
| Target |
Quality of advice received supports the Prime Minister in coordinating and implementing these policies and programs. The advice considers the views of all relevant stakeholders, including industry, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the states and territories. |
|
|
Source |
Corporate Plan 2019–2023, pp. 9–10 |
|
|
Result |
Achieved |
|
|
Methodology |
Evaluation through case study |
|
|
Analysis |
In 2019–20, PM&C provided quality advice to support Commonwealth agencies to better deliver water infrastructure initiatives to support regional communities, farmers and industries. PM&C’s achievements against this measure PM&C played a vital role in the establishment of the National Water Grid Authority, delivering on the Government’s commitment. PM&C provided coordinated policy and governance advice and consulted all relevant stakeholders on their views, including from agriculture, environment, Indigenous Australians and regional communities. PM&C provided high-quality and coordinated advice to the National Water Grid Authority to support the Government to implement its commitment to invest in water infrastructure projects totalling over $630 million. (Refer to the following case study). |
|
Helping to deliver water infrastructure priorities
On 1 October 2019, the Government established the National Water Grid Authority, which guided the strategic planning and management for national water infrastructure policy and investment and led the development of a National Water Grid—a series of region-specific systems that help secure reliable supplies of water. The new authority developed partnerships with the states and territories, to support a more integrated approach to water infrastructure and ensure the best available science is used to assess water infrastructure projects.
PM&C delivered the Government’s commitment to establish the National Water Grid Authority by advising the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on options to give effect to the commitment, including governance arrangements and risks associated with implementation. We worked in partnership with the authority to establish the National Water Grid Advisory Body and progress development of the investment framework that will guide the Commonwealth’s future investments in water infrastructure.
PM&C worked to ensure all relevant policy interests from across government were included in policy formulation and advice processes, given water policy enables outcomes for many sectors and stakeholders, including agriculture, environment, Indigenous Australians and regional communities.
The authority is identifying and developing a pipeline of strategic water infrastructure projects, funded through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility. The quality and timely advice that PM&C provided on proposed water infrastructure led to the announcement of new Commonwealth commitments to feasibility studies and capital projects totalling over $630 million in 2019–20.
Results: Key Activity 2.3
| Key activity | Collaborate with Commonwealth agencies and state and territory governments to refresh the Northern Australia strategy. | |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | The Prime Minister, the Cabinet, responsible ministers and agencies receive coordinated advice to inform policy development and support the implementation of the Government’s key priorities and activities. | |
| Target |
Quality of advice received supports the Prime Minister in coordinating and implementing these policies and programs. The advice considers the views of all relevant stakeholders, including industry, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the states and territories. |
|
|
Source |
Corporate Plan 2019–2023, pp. 9–10 |
|
|
Result |
Achieved |
|
|
Methodology |
Evaluation through case study |
|
|
Analysis |
In 2019–20, PM&C provided coordinated advice and supported the Prime Minister, the Portfolio Minister and the Office for Northern Australia to assist the Northern Australia Strategic Partnership (NASP) to develop a refreshed five-year plan for northern development. PM&C’s achievements against this measure PM&C played a key convening role in bringing together different policy perspectives from key stakeholders across the Commonwealth to support a new five-year plan that recognised the role of Indigenous Australians in developing a strong and prosperous northern Australia. (Refer to the following case study). |
|
New five-year plan for Northern Australia
The 2015 Our north, our future: White paper on developing northern Australia sets out a 20-year framework for investment and support to unlock the region’s economic potential as a global trade gateway for Australia. The Government’s northern Australia agenda will not only make a real difference to the north’s economic development and the lives of its people but also benefit the entire nation, as northern Australia grows its contribution to jobs, gross domestic product and population.
The Government’s 20-year vision for northern Australian development cannot be realised without collaboration and focus across Commonwealth agencies, and state and territory governments. PM&C assists by coordinating this effort.
The Northern Australia Strategic Partnership (NASP) leads the Government’s northern Australia agenda. NASP brought together the Prime Minister, the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia and First Ministers to provide national leadership on the strategic direction for northern Australia. PM&C provided secretariat support to NASP.
In August 2019, NASP commissioned a new five-year plan for northern development (a ‘refresh’) to maintain momentum in realising the White Paper’s 20-year vision, recognising the key role of Indigenous Australians in developing a strong and prosperous Northern Australia.
To support NASP in its development of the five-year plan, PM&C used its convening role to bring together different perspectives and priorities from across the Commonwealth and key stakeholders. We provided policy and process advice to the Prime Minister, the Portfolio Minister and the Office for Northern Australia. We also contributed to the development of the plan by participating in workshops run by the Office for Northern Australia.
In its Communiqué of August 2019, COAG confirmed that substantial progress had been made towards implementing the White Paper. PM&C’s efforts to support delivery of the refreshed agenda were well received by the Prime Minister and his office.
Results: Key Activity 2.4
| Key activity | Support Commonwealth agencies (including NQLIRA) to deliver on the Government’s plan and the Prime Minister’s priority to support farmers and regional communities respond to the drought now, and strengthen Australia’s preparedness and resilience for future droughts. | |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | PM&C supports NQLIRA and delivers regular updates to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on the drought response and implementation of reforms that support preparedness and resilience. | |
| Target | Quality and timeliness of advice received supports the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to respond to on-the-ground drought conditions. | |
|
Source |
Corporate Plan 2019–2023, pp. 9–10 |
|
|
Result |
Achieved |
|
|
Methodology |
Evaluation through case study |
|
|
Analysis |
In 2019–20, PM&C supported Commonwealth agencies and the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to deliver the Prime Minister’s priority to support drought-affected communities and better support drought preparedness and resilience. PM&C’s achievements against this measure PM&C provided high-quality, timely and practical advice to support the development of the Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan. PM&C collaborated with the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency to ensure advice provided to the Prime Minister considered the perspectives of local stakeholders and lived experiences so that the drought measures being implemented reflected changing on-the-ground conditions. (Refer to the following case study). |
|
Boots on the ground in drought-affected areas
For several years, drought has affected much of regional Australia. Drought has devastating effects not only on farmers and their families but also on local businesses and communities.
On 7 November 2019, the Government launched a Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan that outlined the Government’s role and approach to drought. The plan aims to help farmers and rural communities prepare for and manage through drought. It involves immediate action for those in drought and support for communities affected by drought; and aims to build long-term resilience and preparedness.
PM&C assisted in development of the plan by providing timely and practical advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on supporting communities in regional Australia affected by drought and building resilience and prepare for future droughts. PM&C advised the Governor-General and the Prime Minister on expanding the former North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency into the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency.
The new agency, announced on 5 December 2019, has a strong, on-the-ground presence to assist farmers, businesses and communities to access the Government’s drought support initiatives. The agency is working closely with all levels of government and other Australian Government agencies, including Services Australia, and charities, industry and peak bodies, to ensure the Government’s response is targeted to the needs of communities in drought.
PM&C also worked with the agency to ensure decisions of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet were guided by local, lived experiences.
As multiple portfolios are responsible for the Government’s drought response, PM&C used its convening power to provide a whole-of-government perspective so that the Government’s drought response was proactive, targeted, fit for purpose and shaped by feedback from those affected.
Reflecting changing on-the-ground conditions, new 2019–20 drought measures included improvements to the Farm Household Allowance, a special drought round of the Building Better Regions Fund, further funding under the Drought Communities Programme Extension and the Drought Communities Support Initiative, and the Water for Fodder program. The first drawdown from the Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund was announced on 1 July 2020.
Results: Key Activity 2.5
| Key activity | Support the National Soils Advocate in his efforts to progress the national objective to protect, restore and maintain the health of the Australian agricultural landscape and to guarantee a food secure nation and sustainable farming communities. | |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | PM&C, in collaboration with Commonwealth agencies, delivers policy advice and support to progress the National Soils Advocate’s Terms of Reference. | |
| Target | The National Soils Advocate is satisfied that he receives the advice and support necessary to effectively progress his work and contribute his expertise and advice to relevant ministers. | |
|
Source |
Corporate Plan 2019–2023, pp. 9–10 |
|
|
Result |
Achieved |
|
|
Methodology |
Evaluation through case study |
|
|
Analysis |
In 2019–20, PM&C supported the National Soils Advocate and his Office to effectively progress the national objective of maintaining the health of the Australian agricultural landscape. PM&C’s achievements against this measure PM&C established the Office of the National Soils Advocate in July 2019 to support Major General the Hon Michael Jeffery, AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), in his reappointment as the National Soils Advocate. (Refer to the following case study). Major General Jeffery stepped aside in January 2020 due to ill health. PM&C continued to deliver on Major General Jeffery’s priorities, drawing on his advice. |
|
Spreading the word—National Soils Advocate
Improved soil health benefits the environment, enhances agricultural productivity, increases resilience of the agricultural landscape, improves food security and supports sustainable farming communities.
In 2019–20, the National Soils Advocate raised awareness about the importance of conserving and improving agricultural soil and landscape conditions, to progress the Prime Minister’s national objective to protect, restore and maintain the health of the agricultural landscape. To do this, the Advocate engaged with governments, land managers, industry and researchers and provided input into the development of the Government’s National Soils Strategy, which aims to improve the coordination of the soil activities.
In July 2019, Major General the Hon Michael Jeffery, AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) was reappointed as the National Soils Advocate. Major General Jeffery advocated for improved soil health in farming communities and delivered policy advice to Commonwealth agencies.
In October 2019, PM&C established the Office of the National Soils Advocate (the Office) to support Major General Jeffery in his work. The Office worked with farmers, researchers, extension officers and policy makers with, and on behalf of, the National Soils Advocate. It ensured the Advocate’s work helped to inform Commonwealth and state government initiatives, including bushfire recovery, National Landcare Program and the Future Drought Fund.
The National Soils Advocate and the Office provided the leadership required to drive greater awareness of the importance of soil health. The Advocate informed government policy, supported and encouraged land managers, industry and researchers to lock in the intergenerational benefits of improved soil health, which is critical to achieving the Government’s long-term vision for Australian agriculture.
Major General Jeffery’s return to the role was welcomed. From that time, with the support of the Office, his views were shared at over 50 events and meetings. However, unfortunately, in early 2020 Major General Jeffery’s ill health forced him to step aside. The Office continued to present Major General Jeffery’s views from that time.
Major General Jeffery’s successor will be well positioned to continue this work through established networks, delivering targeted messaging concerning the need for soil health improvements across the agricultural landscape.