EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1985 NO. 143
Issued by the Authority of the Minister of State for Transport 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 1984 season and the relatively slow rate of sales, significant quantities of that season’s sultanas will remain in packers’ custody at the end of June 1985 and would become leviable after 14 July. 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 1984 season sultanas still in packer custody at eight months commencing from 1 January 1985. The extension is expected to allow sufficient time for the remaining fruit to be sold and for sales proceeds to be received before levy becomes payable.