EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1983 NO. 100
Issued by the Authority of the Minister of State for Resources and Energy for and on behalf of the Minister for Primary Industry
DRIED VINE FRUITS EQUALIZATION ACT 1978 DRIED VINE FRUITS EQUALIZATION REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
The dried vine fruits equalization scheme provides for the equalizing of unit returns from the domestic and export markets. Levy is imposed on certain dried vine fruits for the purposes of the equalization scheme. Levy payment in respect of fruit still in packer custody must be completed 6 months and 14 days after the end of the season unless a period other than six months is prescribed by regulation.
Because of the high level of production of dried vine fruit in the 1982 season and the relatively slow rate of sales, significant quantities of that season’s sultanas and raisins remained in packers’ custody at the end of June 1983 and would have become leviable by July 15. Sales proceeds would not have been received at that time to cover the levy payment.
On the recommendation of the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation, the Statutory Rules prescribe the period for payment of levy on 1982 season sultanas still in packer custody as 10 months and for 1982 season raisins as 12 months. These extensions are expected to allow sufficient time for the remaining fruit to be sold and sales proceeds received before levy becomes payable.
The Statutory Rules also amend the existing Regulations in Statutory Rules 1982 No. 70 to make the due date for monthly returns by packers on leviable fruit coincide with the due date for levy payments which was recently extended by 2 months under the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (No. 1) 1983.