Determination of the payout factor for the grant year 2013-14

Overview

The Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 was enacted to provide financial assistance to Australian businesses in their efforts to develop new export markets or expand their presence in existing markets. This Act was introduced to address the need for support mechanisms that would enable Australian businesses to effectively penetrate international markets, thereby contributing to the growth of the national economy. The policy objective behind this legislation is to foster export market development by providing grants that can be leveraged to overcome the challenges associated with entering or expanding in foreign markets. The Act empowers the Australian Trade Commission to administer these grants, ensuring that businesses have the necessary support to achieve their export goals. The 2015 determination of the payout factor for grant year 2013-14, made by Dominic Bilbie, Acting General Manager EMDG, Australian Trade Commission, under section 69 of the Act, is an example of the ongoing administrative actions required to implement this policy effectively.

Scope and Application

The Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 applies to entities and individuals involved in exporting activities within Australia, providing them with grants to support their participation in international markets. The Act facilitates economic growth by aiding exporters to overcome barriers and develop new markets. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of the Act is national, operating under the Commonwealth to ensure uniform application across all states and territories of Australia. The Act extends its application through subordinate instruments such as determinations, including the determination of the payout factor for specific grant years, as evidenced by the 2013-14 payout factor determination made by the Acting General Manager EMDG, Australian Trade Commission. This determination is made pursuant to section 69 of the Act, which mandates a specific payout factor to be applied during that financial year. Notably, this Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within its primary text; however, the application and eligibility for grants may be further defined through regulations or guidelines issued under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 (the Act) primarily governs the provision of grants to Australian businesses for the development of new export markets. Section 69 (1) of the Act stipulates that the payout factor for grant year 2013-14 is determined by the Acting General Manager EMDG, Australian Trade Commission, to be 0.6528365. This determination is made to ensure that the grants are distributed fairly and effectively to eligible businesses. This payout factor plays a crucial role in calculating the actual amount of grant each eligible applicant receives. Under the Act, the Australian Trade Commission, through its Acting General Manager EMDG, is mandated to determine the payout factor for each grant year. The payout factor is a critical component in calculating the grant amount, which is intended to support businesses in developing new export markets. This calculation ensures that the grants are aligned with the budgetary constraints and the overall objectives of the scheme. The determination is to be made in accordance with the provisions set out in section 69 of the Act. Entities and individuals governed by the Act must comply with the obligations and requirements outlined therein. These include adhering to the determined payout factor for the specific grant year, ensuring that all applications are submitted within the prescribed timelines, and fulfilling any other conditions stipulated by the Australian Trade Commission. The Act also requires that all records related to the grant applications and disbursements be maintained accurately and be available for audit or review as required. The Act provides for various consequences in the event of non-compliance or breaches. While the specific sections detailing offences and penalties are not provided in this excerpt, it is common in such legislative frameworks for breaches to result in financial penalties, recovery of improperly paid grants, or other administrative actions. The maximum penalties for such breaches can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offence, but they are intended to ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the Act and the proper use of the funds allocated for export market development grants.