Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Regulations 1965 were enacted under the authority of the Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Act 1956-1965. These regulations were introduced by the Commonwealth Parliament to provide a framework for administering the bounty on the production of cellulose acetate flake, thereby supporting and encouraging the Australian cellulose acetate industry. This legislative instrument aimed to ensure that the bounty system was applied fairly and effectively, by amending the existing regulations to clarify the definition of a "quarter" period for the purposes of the bounty calculations. This amendment was intended to streamline the administrative process and provide greater certainty for producers and the relevant authorities. These regulations were made by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Minister of State for Customs and Excise, and were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 4 November 1965. The policy objective behind these amendments was to enhance the efficiency of the bounty administration and to support the growth and stability of the cellulose acetate flake industry in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Regulations 1965, made under the Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Act 1956-1965, apply to the administration and distribution of bounty payments for cellulose acetate flake. These Regulations specifically target entities or individuals involved in the production and export of cellulose acetate flake within the Commonwealth of Australia. The Regulations aim to ensure that eligible producers receive appropriate compensation for their production and export activities, as stipulated by the overarching Act. By amending the definition of "quarter," the Regulations clarify the periods for which bounty payments will be calculated, thereby providing more precise guidelines for compliance and administration. The scope of these Regulations is confined to the operations and transactions pertinent to cellulose acetate flake production and export within Australia, ensuring that the bounty system operates efficiently and fairly across the relevant industry.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Regulations, 1965, primarily involve the amendment of existing definitions within the regulations. Specifically, Regulation 2 alters the definition of "quarter" (section 2). Under the amended definition, a "quarter" now means a period of three months that commences on the first day of July, October, January, or April. This amendment clarifies the time frames in which certain obligations and benefits under the regulations apply, ensuring that there is a consistent and predictable schedule for these matters. The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations on the parties or entities governed by them include adherence to the newly defined quarterly periods. This means that any reporting, claims for bounty, or other activities related to the Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty must align with these quarterly periods. For example, any claim for bounty must be submitted within the specified timeframes to be valid, ensuring that the administration of the bounty is both efficient and organised. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences outlined in these regulations for non-compliance with the amended definitions. However, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the specified quarterly periods could result in claims being deemed invalid or delayed, leading to potential financial loss or administrative complications for the claimant. Although the regulations themselves do not specify maximum penalties, such issues would likely be addressed under the overarching Cellulose Acetate Flake Bounty Act 1956-1965 or other related legislative provisions. This highlights the importance of strict compliance with the defined periods to avoid any adverse outcomes.