EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1984 No. 386
Issued by the Authority of the Minister for Primary Industry
APPLE AND PEAR EXPORT CHARGE REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
The Apple and Pear Export Charge Act 1976 provides for the imposition of a charge on apples and pears exported from Australia.
Sub-section 7(3) of the Apple and Pear Export Charge Act provides that, before making regulations relating to the rate of charge imposed, the Governor-General shall consider any recommendations made to the Minister by the Australian Apple and Pear Growers’ Association.
The proposed operative rate of charge prescribed by regulation is in accordance with the Association’s recommendation to the Minister that the rate be raised from 9 cents to 11 cents per box of fruit exported. This rate is equivalent to the rate of levy on domestic sales of fresh apples and pears.
The maximum rate of charge permissible under the Act is 12 cents per box of fruit.
The charge on exports together with the levy on fruit produced and sold in Australia is used to finance the administrative and promotional activities of the Australian Apple and Pear Corporation. The increase is to fund additional promotional activity by the Corporation in 1985 in view of an anticipated larger than normal crop.
The regulation is to come into operation on 1 January 1985.