The federal government recently released the budget, below is an outline of key initiatives relevant to cotton growers and regional communities:

Climate change, drought and renewables

Climate change: $63.8 million over ten years to support initial emission reduction efforts in agriculture and land sectors, aligning with Australia's transition to net zero emissions by 2050.

Community engagement on renewables: $20.7 million over seven years, starting from 2024/25, allocated for discussions with local communities and landholders regarding renewable energy sources and transmission lines. This aims to align the closure of aging coal-fired power plants.

Drought support: $42.2 million is earmarked for the Future Drought Fund, with an additional $13.9 million aimed at ensuring swift responses to drought events and maintain a focus on drought policy.

Education, Training and Upskilling

Vocational education and training: $26.1 million over four years starting from 2024–25 to strengthen the Vocational Education and Training system, support structural reforms and maximize returns on previous investments.

AgCAREERSTART Pilot Program: $0.5 million over two years from 2024–25 to continue the AgCAREERSTART pilot program, encouraging young individuals to pursue careers in agriculture.

Farmsafe Australia: $0.4 million over three years from 2024–25 to extend the National Farm Safety Week campaign.

Labour and employment

Harvest Trail Services: Ceasing the Harvest Trail Services program is planned, with $47.3 million over five years allocated.

Labour Hire Licensing: $2.0 million is designated for establishing a project office to progress a national labour hire regulation model.

Supporting small business and exporters

Fair Work Ombudsman: $20.5 million over four years to support the Fair Work Ombudsman in aiding small business employers to comply with workplace laws.

Supporting Small Business: $10.8 million over two years to extend programs like the Small Business Debt Helpline and NewAccess for Small Business Owners.

Instant Asset Write-off: The instant asset write-off is extended until June 2025 for businesses with a turnover under $10 million.

Support for Agricultural Exporters: A $2 million boost aims to assist agricultural exporters in rebuilding trade with China and diversifying into other markets. Additionally, $14.4 million is committed to expanding the Australia-India Business Exchange, promoting trade and investment across South Asia.

Infrastructure and connectivity

Upgrading regional airports: $101.9 million is committed to upgrading regional airports and remote airstrips, enhancing connectivity and infrastructure resilience.

Connectivity: $40 million to support additional community Wi-Fi in remote and regional Australia.

Road maintenance and safety programs: $1.7 billion is allocated for existing road maintenance and safety programs, with additional funding for road upgrades and rail freight initiatives.

Reducing the road toll: Several measures aim to address the nation's road death toll, including increased funding for road safety programs.

Intermodal terminal: $5 million will be invested in developing a business case for an intermodal terminal in Parkes to support the Inland Rail program.