Declaration of Representative Organisations for the Grains Research and Development Corporation

Overview

The Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (PIDRDA) was enacted to facilitate and fund research and development in Australia's primary industries, including grains production, in order to address issues and gaps in industry knowledge, technology, and efficiency. The Act provides a framework for the establishment of Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), which aims to improve the profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness of the grains industry. Pursuant to the Act, Barnaby Joyce, the Minister for Agriculture, has declared Grain Producers Australia Limited and Grain Growers Limited as representative organisations for the GRDC. This declaration, published on 6 July 2015, revokes all previous declarations under section 7 of the PIDRDA in relation to the GRDC and is intended to streamline representation and engagement with the grains industry stakeholders, ensuring that research and development activities are aligned with the needs of the sector. The declaration is to be published on the ComLaw and Department of Agriculture websites for transparency and accessibility.

Scope and Application

The Declaration of Representative Organisations for the Grains Research and Development Corporation, made under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989, designates Grain Producers Australia Limited and Grain Growers Limited as the representative organisations for the Grains Research and Development Corporation. This declaration applies to these specific entities and revokes any previous declarations related to the Grains Research and Development Corporation, ensuring that the named organisations are the sole representatives for the purposes of the Act. The jurisdictional reach of this declaration is in accordance with the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989, which is a Commonwealth Act, thereby applying nationally across Australia. The declaration aims to streamline the representation and decision-making processes within the grains industry, facilitating focused and effective research and development activities. The named organisations are thus formally recognised and their roles delineated under this legislative instrument, which can be accessed on the ComLaw and Department of Agriculture websites.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, particularly section 7(1) of the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989, declare Grain Producers Australia Limited and Grain Growers Limited as the representative organisations for the Grains Research and Development Corporation. This declaration effectively establishes these organisations as the primary entities that can advocate for the interests of grain producers and growers in matters related to the Corporation. Section 7 of the Act facilitates the formal recognition of such representative organisations, which in turn grants them the authority to engage with the Corporation on behalf of the grain industry. This declaration also includes a provision to revoke all previous declarations made under section 7 concerning the Grains Research and Development Corporation, ensuring that the most current and relevant organisations are recognised. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily on the Grains Research and Development Corporation, which must now engage with Grain Producers Australia Limited and Grain Growers Limited as the recognised representative organisations. These organisations are tasked with representing the interests of grain producers and growers in the development and implementation of research and development initiatives funded by the Corporation. This means that these organisations must be consulted on matters relating to the Corporation's activities, ensuring that the views and needs of the grain industry are adequately considered. Additionally, the Corporation must facilitate transparent and effective communication with these recognised entities, maintaining a formal and structured process for consultation and representation. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act can result in legal consequences for the Grains Research and Development Corporation. If the Corporation does not adhere to the declaration and engage appropriately with the recognised organisations, it may face legal challenges or regulatory scrutiny. Although the Act does not specify particular offences or penalties, breaches of such statutory requirements could potentially lead to civil or administrative actions aimed at enforcing compliance. The exact penalties or consequences would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the relevant legal framework governing such disputes. Nonetheless, the overarching intent is to ensure that the Corporation upholds its obligations to the recognised representative organisations, thereby fostering a collaborative and representative approach to research and development in the grain industry.