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AUSTRALIA: Dr. Geoff Miller, Associate Secretary for Agriculture, explained that the Convention required long-term solutions to improve production and reduce dependence. He explained Australia's efforts and experiences in combatting desertification, pointing out that the partnership between the government and the people is important. He then explained in detail how Australia's Land Care programme and the merging of all natural resource-based agencies have revolutionized the management of arid and semi-arid lands, but at high cost. He concluded that the programmes initiated must be based on the community's aspirations and that expert advice must be available but should not control people.