PPSA welcomes productivity and red tape focus in State Budget

PPSA welcomes productivity and red tape focus in State Budget

PPSA Independent Chair Professor Simon Maddocks said the Budget’s focus on research and development, productivity growth and reducing regulatory burden was a positive signal for South Australian businesses, including the state’s primary industries sector.

“South Australia’s food, fibre and agribusiness sectors are a major pillar of the state’s economy, supporting jobs, exports and regional communities,” Professor Maddocks said.

“If the Government is serious about lifting productivity and strengthening long-term economic competitiveness, agriculture must be part of that conversation.”

Professor Maddocks said the new $50 million Research and Development Productivity Fund had the potential to support high-impact research and accelerate the adoption of technologies and practices that improve productivity across the economy.

“SA has world-class agricultural research capability and globally competitive primary industries. This Fund should recognise agriculture as one of the state’s established research strengths and ensure primary producers benefit from investments that translate research into practical, commercial outcomes.

“Research and development is critical to helping producers manage climate variability, improve resource efficiency, strengthen biosecurity, adopt new technologies and develop higher-value products and markets.”

Professor Maddocks said PPSA would seek to work with government, universities, research institutions and industry partners to ensure food, fibre and agribusiness are strongly represented in the design and delivery of the Fund.

“Investment in agricultural research is not just good for farmers, it is good for SA’s economy,” Professor Maddocks said.

“Primary industries are already delivering significant value for the state. With the right research, innovation and productivity settings, the sector can do even more.”

PPSA also welcomed the Government’s commitment to identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary red tape across state and local government.

“Farm businesses operate in increasingly complex regulatory environments,” Professor Maddocks said.

Practical reforms that streamline regulation, reduce duplication and remove unnecessary barriers to investment can deliver real productivity benefits across South Australia’s primary industries.

“Regulatory reform must be practical, targeted and developed with the industries it affects.”

PPSA also acknowledged the Government’s continued commitment to supporting drought-affected producers through the $200 million low-interest loan package announced earlier this year.

While welcoming the support available through the scheme, Professor Maddocks said PPSA continued to advocate for the removal of geographic boundaries that currently restrict eligibility.

“PPSA welcomes the Government’s commitment to assisting producers through this challenging period. However, drought does not stop at regional boundaries, and neither should access to support,” Professor Maddocks said.

“We continue to call for the removal of geographic restrictions to ensure all producers who meet the strict eligibility criteria of the loan scheme can access assistance, regardless of which side of a line on a map they farm.

“Many producers experiencing severe seasonal conditions remain ineligible for support simply because they fall outside the designated regions. Assistance should be based on need and impact, not geography.”

Professor Maddocks said PPSA looks forward to continuing to work with the State Government to ensure these initiatives deliver lasting benefits for South Australian producers, regional communities and the broader economy.

PPSA also notes that the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will be required to achieve operational savings of $1.9 million in 2026–27, rising to $4.3 million per annum from 2028–29.

“While recognising the need for efficient government, PPSA emphasises the importance of maintaining a well-resourced PIRSA with the capability to deliver critical services in biosecurity, research, industry development and drought preparedness,” Professor Maddocks said.

ENDS