Dried Fruits Levy Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Dried Fruits Levy Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to amend the Dried Fruits Levy Regulations under the Dried Fruits Levy Act 1971. The primary purpose of this legislation was to establish and regulate the levy rates for dried fruits for each season, with the proceeds intended to fund research activities as outlined in the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971. Additionally, the Commonwealth Government contributes half of the amounts payable for purposes approved under the latter Act. The Dried Fruits Research Committee, formed under the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971, recommends levy rates for each season to the Minister for Primary Industry, who then enacts the regulations. For the 1982 season, the Dried Fruits Research Committee recommended that the levy rates for dried vine fruits and dried tree fruits remain unchanged from the previous season. The rates set forth in the amended regulations are $1.00 per tonne for dried vine fruits, $5.00 per tonne for dried tree fruits (excluding dried plums), and $2.50 per tonne for dried plums. These rates reflect the maximum allowable levies, except for dried plums, which are set at half the maximum rate. This amendment aims to maintain consistency in funding for research activities in the dried fruits sector.

Scope and Application

The Dried Fruits Levy Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982, issued under the authority of the Minister for Primary Industry, pertains to the amendment of the Dried Fruits Levy Act 1971. This legislation applies to all entities involved in the production and sale of dried fruits within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, it targets growers, packers, and processors of dried vine fruits and dried tree fruits, including dried plums. The levy is instrumental in funding research activities outlined under the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971, with the Commonwealth government contributing half of the total amounts payable. The regulations establish levy rates for each type of dried fruit for the 1982 season, with rates for dried vine fruits set at $1.00 per tonne, dried tree fruits (excluding dried plums) at $5.00 per tonne, and dried plums at $2.50 per tonne. These rates remain consistent with those of the 1981 season, as recommended by the Dried Fruits Research Committee. The scope of this Act is further extended through subordinate instruments which may modify or refine the application of these regulations as needed.

Key Provisions

The Dried Fruits Levy Regulations (Amendment) set out the specific levy rates for dried fruits for the 1982 season, as established under the Dried Fruits Levy Act 1971 (section 2). These rates, recommended by the Dried Fruits Research Committee, remain consistent with those applied in the 1981 season. The levy rates are $1.00 per tonne for dried vine fruits, $5.00 per tonne for dried tree fruits other than dried plums, and $2.50 per tonne for dried plums. These rates are designed to ensure the funding of research under the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971, with the Commonwealth contributing half of the amounts payable for approved purposes. The regulations impose obligations on parties involved in the production, processing, or sale of dried fruits. Producers, processors, and sellers must adhere to these levy rates, ensuring they collect and remit the appropriate levies on the dried fruits they handle. The levy rates are intended to be applied uniformly across the industry, facilitating the flow of funds to support research initiatives under the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971. Failure to comply with the levy requirements can result in legal consequences. The Dried Fruits Levy Regulations (Amendment) stipulate that non-compliance with the levy provisions can lead to civil and criminal penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the explanatory statement, it is understood that breaches of the regulations may result in fines or other legal actions as prescribed under the relevant Acts and Regulations. Ensuring adherence to these levy rates is crucial for all involved parties to avoid potential legal repercussions and to support the continued funding of research in the dried fruits sector.