EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1982 No 328
Issued by the Authority of the Minister for Primary Industry
APPLE AND PEAR LEVY REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
The Apple and Pear Levy Act 1976 provides for the imposition of a levy on the production of certain apples and pears sold by a grower or produced and used by a grower in the production of fruit juice or other goods.
Under sub-section 6(3), the Apple and Pear Levy Act provides that before making regulations relating to the operative rate of levy 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 levy prescribed in the Regulation is in accordance with the Association’s recommendation to the Minister that the rate of levy be 90 cents per tonne on juicing fruit, $1.80 per tonne on processing fruit and 9 cents per box on any other fruit.
The maximum rate of levy permissible under the Act is $1.50 per tonne on juicing fruit, $3.60 per tonne on processing fruit and 12 cents per box on any other fruit.
The levy is to finance the Australian Apple and Pear Corporation. The apple and pear industry considers that higher rates of levy are required to be in operation for the 1983 season to provide the Australian Apple and Pear Corporation with adequate funds for effective promotion on the domestic market.
The Regulation is to take effect from 1 January 1983.