Appendix A – The Inquiry

1.1                   The inquiry into the role of government in assisting
Australian farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change was referred to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries and Resources on 4 February 2009 by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Tony Burke MP. A copy of the terms of reference is at page xiii.

1.2                   The Committee’s inquiry was advertised in February, inviting members of the public to make written submissions for the Committee’s consideration. Letters inviting submissions were also sent to all State Premiers, Chief Ministers, relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory government departments, peak bodies, and individuals. Information concerning the inquiry was also made available on the Committee's website.[1]

1.3                   During the inquiry, the Committee received 73 submissions, from a range of Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies, industry organisations, companies and individuals. A list of submissions received by the Committee is at Appendix B. A list of other documents of relevance to the inquiry which were formally received by the Committee as exhibits can be found at Appendix C.

1.4                   The Committee held 14 public hearings and one private briefing for the inquiry. These provided the Committee with opportunities to hear at first hand the views of the people affected by current and future issues concerning the role of government in assisting Australian farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

1.5                   A list of the organisations and individuals who gave evidence to the Committee is at Appendix D. Transcripts of evidence recorded from the public hearings, along with the submissions, are available on the Committee’s website.

1.6                   The Committee also conducted site inspections to observe the results of some of the innovative farm management practices outlined in the range of submissions. The Committee visited:

n  Tamworth, NSW

n  Rockhampton, Qld

n  Emerald, Qld

n  Yan Yan Gurt, Vic

n  Hamilton, Vic

n  Boorowa, NSW

n  Kempton, Tas

n  Melton Mowbray, Tas

n  Geraldton, WA