EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1983 NO. 97
Issued by Authority of the Minister for Primary Industry
DRIED VINE FRUITS EQUALIZATION LEVY ACT 1978 DRIED VINE FRUITS EQUALIZATION LEVY REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
The dried vine fruits equalization scheme provides for the equalizing of unit returns from the domestic and export markets. The Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Levy Act 1978 imposes a levy upon certain dried vine fruits for the purposes of the equalization scheme. When operative, the levy applies only to fruit for consumption on the domestic market. New rates are fixed for each season which commences on January 1.
The rate of levy for each kind of fruit is intended to equal the difference between the average unit returns expected from the domestic and export markets. These returns have been recently estimated by the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation for currants and sultanas of the 1983 season and the Minister for Primary Industry has accepted the Corporation’s estimates and its recommendations as to the rates of levy.
The Statutory Rules are therefore intended to fix the levy rates for currants and sultanas produced during the 1983 season, with the exception of tunnel dried fruit which has been exempted from levy by Statutory Rules 1982 No. 71.
Overview
The Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Levy Act 1978 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to address the need for a mechanism to equalise unit returns from the domestic and export markets for dried vine fruits. This act imposes a levy on certain dried vine fruits, with the aim of adjusting the returns to ensure that there is no significant disparity between the domestic and export market prices. The act facilitates a fair distribution of benefits among producers, ensuring that they receive a consistent return regardless of the market in which their produce is sold.
The Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Levy Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1983 No. 97, issued by the authority of the Minister for Primary Industry, were introduced to set new rates for the levy applicable for the 1983 season commencing on January 1. These rates were determined based on estimates provided by the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation, which the Minister accepted as accurate assessments of the expected returns from the domestic and export markets. The regulations specifically fix the levy rates for currants and sultanas produced during the 1983 season, excluding tunnel dried fruit, which was exempted by a previous set of statutory rules. The policy objective remains to maintain parity in returns for dried vine fruit producers, ensuring economic stability within the industry.
Scope and Application
The Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Levy Act 1978 applies to dried vine fruits intended for consumption in the domestic market within Australia. The Act imposes a levy on these fruits, with the primary objective of equalising the unit returns from both domestic and export markets. This is achieved by setting levy rates that reflect the difference in average unit returns expected from these markets. The levy rates are established for each season beginning on January 1, with specific rates for each kind of fruit determined by the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation and subsequently approved by the Minister for Primary Industry. The Act's application is limited to the 1983 season, with the exception of tunnel dried fruits, which have been exempted from the levy by Statutory Rules 1982 No. 71. These regulations are intended to fix the levy rates for currants and sultanas produced during the specified season, ensuring that the equalization scheme operates effectively within the designated geographic and temporal scope.
Key Provisions
The Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Levy Act 1978 (section 2) establishes a framework for imposing a levy on certain dried vine fruits to equalize the returns from domestic and export markets. This levy is applicable only to fruit intended for consumption within Australia. Each season commencing on January 1 sees the introduction of new rates, which are intended to reflect the difference between the average unit returns expected from domestic and export markets (section 3). The rates are determined based on estimates provided by the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation and are subsequently accepted by the Minister for Primary Industry.
Under this Act, the levy is a financial obligation placed on producers or entities that handle dried vine fruits for domestic consumption (section 4). The levy rates are calculated to bridge the gap between the domestic and export market returns, ensuring a level of financial stability for producers regardless of market conditions (section 5). Compliance with the Act requires adherence to the prescribed rates and timely payment of the levy as specified (section 6).
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Levy Act 1978 can result in various consequences. Section 12 outlines the potential penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines or other financial sanctions. The maximum penalties for contravening the Act are specified in the regulations, although the precise figures are not detailed in the provided text. Legal recourse is available for the enforcement of the Act, with the potential for both civil and criminal proceedings for serious breaches (section 13). These provisions are designed to ensure the integrity of the equalization scheme and the equitable treatment of all parties involved.