Apple and Pear Stabilization Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Apple and Pear Stabilization Regulations 1974 were enacted to provide further regulation under the Apple and Pear Stabilization Act 1971-1973, which aimed to stabilise the apple and pear industry by ensuring fair prices for growers and maintaining a consistent supply for consumers. The regulations were made by the Governor-General of Australia, acting on the advice of the Executive Council, and were designed to amend the existing stabilisation regulations to reflect the changes in market conditions and to ensure that the support prices for certain varieties of apples and pears were accurately reflected. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the viability of the apple and pear industry by providing financial stability to growers, which in turn supports the broader agricultural economy and ensures a reliable supply of these fruits to the market.

Scope and Application

The Apple and Pear Stabilization Regulations 1974, made under the Apple and Pear Stabilization Act 1971-1973, pertain to the stabilisation of the apple and pear industries within Australia. These regulations are applicable to all entities involved in the apple and pear production, marketing, and distribution sectors, ensuring adherence to the stabilisation measures outlined in the Act. Geographically, these regulations apply across the Commonwealth of Australia, providing a consistent framework to maintain the stability of the apple and pear markets throughout the country. The regulations primarily focus on establishing and adjusting support prices for specific apple and pear varieties, as exemplified by the amendment of support prices for Beurre Bosc and Josephine varieties. Although the regulations themselves set out specific support prices, the Act may allow for further refinement or extension of these provisions through subordinate instruments, enabling adjustments to be made as market conditions evolve. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions mentioned in these regulations, thereby encompassing all relevant entities and activities within the scope of the Act.

Key Provisions

The Apple and Pear Stabilization Regulations (C1974L00066) amend the existing regulations under the Apple and Pear Stabilization Act 1971-1973, specifically adjusting the support prices for certain apple and pear varieties. Regulation 2 of the new Regulations provides that they will be deemed to have come into operation on 27 August 1973, and Regulation 4 modifies the support prices listed in the table, replacing the previous figures for Beurre Bosc and Josephine varieties. These amendments reflect updated support prices for these specific apple and pear varieties. The Regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved, primarily the apple and pear growers, handlers, and other participants in the apple and pear market. These obligations include adhering to the updated support prices for the specified varieties, ensuring that transactions involving these varieties comply with the new pricing structure. Additionally, the Regulations require all parties to maintain accurate records of transactions and prices for audit and compliance purposes. The updated support prices are intended to provide a stable income for growers and maintain market stability for these varieties. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Apple and Pear Stabilization Regulations may result in civil or criminal consequences. The Act provides for penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential imprisonment. The exact penalties are not detailed in the Regulations themselves but would be outlined in the parent Act. The enforcement of these penalties is overseen by relevant authorities who ensure that the support prices and market regulations are adhered to, thereby maintaining the intended stability and fairness in the apple and pear market.