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AAUUSSTTRRAALLIIAA
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of
the Commission on Sustainable Development
23 February 2009
Statement by Mr Dean Merrilees
Head of the Australian Delegation
(Check against delivery)
Madam Chair and distinguished delegates. Australia welcomes this important
opportunity to focus on the themes of agriculture, rural development, land, drought,
desertification and Africa. The effects of the current global food and financial crises, in
addition to the challenges posed by climate change, make discussion of these themes
all the more timely.
Australia places a high priority on improving on-ground operation of the Johannesburg
Plan of Implementation (JPOI). This can best be achieved through countries pursuing
practical outcomes that are consistent with international obligations, and that allow
countries the flexibility to pursue policies according to their national settings. Good
governance, action at the national level and effective partnerships are all critical to
improving practical implementation of sustainable development.
A priority for Australia in the context of sustainable development is to address the issue
of food security. Australia recognises the importance of this issue to all countries, but
particularly to those struggling to deal with hunger and poverty. Australia will continue to
help those countries most in need. In 2008, Australia provided a World Bank trust fund
with A$50 million to stimulate agricultural production and A$30 million to help the World
Food Programme?s Extraordinary Emergency Appeal cope with higher prices.
Australia also considers that improving market efficiency will contribute to both global food
security and sustainable development. Australia encourages the international community to
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take strong steps towards achieving this by liberalising international agricultural trade and
reforming markets. Now is not the time to retreat to protectionist measures. Trade
liberalisation would free up the movement of food across the world and help to feed
vulnerable populations. Reaching an early agreement in the WTO?s Doha Round will be a
very important step. We encourage all countries to participate constructively in multilateral
efforts aimed at achieving real reform of international trade.
In the longer term, Australia considers that one of the most effective ways of improving
food security is through gains in agricultural productivity. In this regard, Australia
supports agricultural research and development, and innovation and technology transfer
systems.
As we strive to improve food security, a related priority is to maintain environmental
sustainability over the long term. Changes in climate will make this even more of a
challenge. The recent severe bushfires and floods experienced in parts of Australia are
examples of these challenges. In recognising this, in our own country, Australia is now
implementing its ?Caring for our Country? initiative, which seeks to achieve an Australian
environment that is healthy, better protected, well-managed and resilient, and provides
essential ecosystem services in a changing climate. Australia is also integrating
adaptation responses into agricultural and natural resource management policies and
programs.
Addressing food security will also require new investment in rural development in
developing countries. In that regard, the Australian Government is developing a multi-year
food security initiative that will increase investment in agricultural research and
development. It will also help developing countries to address their specific market failures
and develop appropriate social protection measures.
Australia believes that addressing the challenges posed by climate change, the impacts
on food prices and the current economic downturn through improved agricultural
productivity and international market reform is essential to effective implementation of
the JPOI. Australia is committed to advancing these issues through the work of CSD this
week and into the future.
Thank you.
