Cotton Bounty Act 1958

Overview

The Cotton Bounty Act 1958 was enacted to amend the Cotton Bounty Act 1951–1957. It was assented to by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia on 21st May 1958 and commenced on 18th June 1958. This Act was introduced to extend the period of cotton bounty eligibility by amending the Principal Act. Specifically, the Act alters the bounty period from the initial eight-year span beginning in 1951 to a seven-year period commencing in 1957. Additionally, the Act specifies the bounty for the year 1958, thereby extending financial support for cotton growers within the updated period.

Scope and Application

The Cotton Bounty Act 1958 amends the Cotton Bounty Act 1951–1957, focusing on extending the period for which the cotton bounty is applicable. This Act applies to entities involved in the cotton industry within the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically those eligible for cotton bounties as outlined in the Principal Act. It adjusts the eligibility period for the cotton bounty, extending it from the year 1958 to 1963. This amendment ensures that the benefits of the bounty are available for a longer duration, providing support to cotton producers during the specified years. The Act also modifies the reporting requirements to Parliament, changing the eight-year reporting period to a seven-year period starting from 1957. This change streamlines the reporting obligations, making them more aligned with the extended bounty period. The Act does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and it does not extend its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Cotton Bounty Act 1958 (C1958A00024) amends the Cotton Bounty Act 1951–1957 by extending the period for which the bounty is payable (section 2). Originally, the bounty was payable for the period starting in 1951 and ending in 1958, but this Act extends that period to end in 1963. This adjustment ensures that cotton growers receive financial support for an additional five years, up to and including the year 1963. The Act also modifies the reporting period for returns to be submitted to Parliament, shifting it from an eight-year period starting in 1951 to a seven-year period beginning in 1957 (section 3). Under the Cotton Bounty Act 1958, the obligations of the parties involved primarily revolve around the submission of accurate and timely reports to the relevant authorities. Cotton growers and any other entities involved in the cotton industry must adhere to the updated reporting schedule, ensuring that returns are submitted within the new timeframe specified by the Act. Additionally, the Commonwealth is obligated to disburse the bounty payments to eligible cotton growers as per the extended period outlined in the Act. The Act does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches within its provisions. However, any failure to comply with the requirements for reporting or receiving the bounty could potentially lead to administrative actions or the withholding of payments. Although specific penalties are not mentioned in the Act, non-compliance with legislative requirements can generally lead to scrutiny from the relevant authorities and may impact the ability to receive future bounties or other governmental support. While the Act itself does not specify particular penalties, the underlying principles of administrative law and common law would apply in cases of non-compliance. This means that any breaches could result in civil or criminal proceedings, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. In practice, this could involve fines, legal action, or other consequences as determined by the relevant authorities. The exact penalties would be determined in accordance with other applicable laws and regulations.