Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations 1975 were enacted to address the need for price stability in the dried vine fruits market, particularly for the 1974 season. This legislative instrument was made under the authority of the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971 by the Governor-General of Australia, acting on the advice of the Executive Council. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure a stable price structure for various types of dried vine fruits, namely currants, sultanas, and raisins, by setting specific base prices for each type. This regulation was introduced to provide clarity and predictability in the market, aiding both producers and consumers in planning their economic activities within the dried vine fruits sector. The regulations establish a base price for each category of dried vine fruit, reflecting the economic conditions and market demands of the 1974 season, thereby contributing to the overall stability and fairness of the market.

Scope and Application

The Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations 1975, made under the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971, pertain to the setting of base prices for various types of dried vine fruits for the season commencing on 1 January 1974. This regulation applies to all entities involved in the production, sale, or stabilisation of dried vine fruits, such as currants, sultanas, and raisins, within Australia. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, as the Act applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting all states and territories. This legislative instrument sets specific base prices for each type of dried vine fruit, thereby influencing market stability and pricing mechanisms within the industry. The regulation extends its application through the setting of these prices, which serve as a benchmark for economic activities related to the specified fruits during the designated season. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of these regulations, meaning they apply universally to the designated produce.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this statutory instrument, Statutory Rules 1975 No. 51, are introduced under the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971. This regulation specifically addresses the amendment of the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations, particularly focusing on the setting of the base price for the 1974 season (Regulation 4). Under section 10(2) of the Act, this regulation establishes the base prices for different types of dried vine fruits: currants at $362.83 per ton, sultanas at $322.83 per ton, and raisins at $292.83 per ton. These prices are crucial for the financial and operational planning of entities involved in the dried vine fruits industry. The Act imposes certain obligations on the parties involved, particularly those engaged in the production, sale, or stabilization of dried vine fruits. These parties must adhere to the stipulated base prices set forth in the regulation. This ensures that there is a standardised financial benchmark for transactions within the industry, thereby providing transparency and predictability in market operations. The adherence to these prices is essential for compliance with the Act and its regulatory framework. Breaching the provisions of this Act, particularly by not adhering to the set base prices, could lead to various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of agricultural stabilization regulations generally attract civil and criminal penalties under Australian law. These could include fines and, in more severe cases, imprisonment. The maximum penalties would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the discretion of the courts. It is essential for parties governed by this Act to ensure strict compliance to avoid these repercussions.