Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Amendment Act 1984

Overview

The Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Amendment Act 1984 was enacted to amend the Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Act 1983. This amendment was introduced to address issues and gaps identified in the original legislation, particularly concerning the definition of "bounty period" and the eligibility criteria for "bountiable cabs". Enacted by the Queen, in pursuance of the authority of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Act seeks to refine the terms and operational period of the bounty program for tractor cabs. The policy objective is to ensure the bounty program remains effective and aligned with the evolving needs of the agricultural sector, particularly in relation to the provision of safe and heat-treated tractor cabs. The Act removes the requirement for cabs to be heat-treated to be considered bountable and adjusts the bounty period to be determined by the Minister, providing flexibility to set the bounty period within a specified timeframe. This allows for better responsiveness to market and operational conditions, ensuring the bounty remains a viable incentive for the uptake of tractor cabs.

Scope and Application

The Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Amendment Act 1984 applies to the same entities and conduct as the Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Act 1983, primarily focusing on tractor cabs eligible for bounty payments. It specifically amends the definition of "bounty period" by replacing the fixed date of 9 June 1984 with a more flexible timeframe, allowing the Minister to set a date not earlier than 10 June 1983 and not later than 30 June 1985 through a notice published in the Gazette. This amendment allows for adjustments based on administrative needs or other considerations deemed necessary by the Minister. The Act applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, affecting all relevant entities within this jurisdiction. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions stated within the Act itself, although the scope of application may be further defined or restricted through subordinate instruments or regulations that may be issued under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Amendment Act 1984 primarily revises the definition of a "bountiable cab" and the "bounty period" as outlined in the Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Act 1983 (Principal Act). Section 3 of this Amendment Act removes the term "heat-treated" from the definition of "bountiable cab," thereby broadening the eligibility criteria for the bounty. Furthermore, it modifies the definition of "bounty period" by replacing the fixed date of 9 June 1984 with a more flexible "relevant day." This "relevant day" is defined as 31 December 1984, but the Minister has the discretion to fix another date, not later than 30 June 1985, by publishing a notice in the Gazette. This change provides the Minister with the flexibility to adjust the bounty period as necessary, depending on various factors such as market conditions or administrative considerations. Under the amended Act, the obligations on the parties primarily involve adherence to the new definitions and any changes in the bounty period as determined by the Minister. For instance, entities that manufacture or distribute tractor cabs must ensure their products meet the new criteria for a "bountiable cab" by excluding the requirement for heat treatment. Additionally, any individuals or businesses eligible for the bounty must be aware of the "relevant day" set by the Minister, as this will determine the period during which they can claim the bounty. This flexibility allows for a more responsive and adaptive bounty program, potentially enhancing its effectiveness in achieving its intended objectives. The Bounty (Tractor Cabs) Amendment Act 1984 does not explicitly state any offences or penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. However, given that the Act amends an existing legislative framework, it is reasonable to infer that breaches of the amended definitions or failure to adhere to the stipulated bounty period could be subject to penalties under the Principal Act or related legislation. Typically, non-compliance with such legislative requirements could result in fines, legal actions, or other administrative consequences. The maximum penalties would depend on the specific provisions of the Principal Act and any relevant regulatory frameworks, but they could potentially include substantial fines or other punitive measures.