Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1977 No. 93, made under the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971, was introduced to address the need for a formalised approach to the stabilisation of dried vine fruits in Australia. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia's Administrator, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, this regulation aimed to provide clear and updated pricing structures for the 1976 season, thereby ensuring a stable market for producers of currants, sultanas, and raisins. The policy objective was to maintain economic stability within the dried vine fruit industry, facilitating fair pricing and supporting the livelihood of growers. This regulation was essential in providing a legislative framework to respond to the specific needs of the industry during that period.

Scope and Application

The Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations, established under the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971, apply to entities and individuals involved in the production, processing, and sale of dried vine fruits within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations are designed to stabilise the market for dried vine fruits by setting and adjusting base prices, ensuring fair pricing and market stability for all participants in the industry. The specified base prices for the 1976 season, as outlined in the new regulation, apply to currants, sultanas, and raisins, with distinct prices set for each type of dried fruit. These regulations cover transactions and activities related to the sale and trade of dried vine fruits across Australia, providing a clear framework for compliance. The regulations are an extension of the overarching act and can be further detailed or modified through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the legislative framework can adapt to changing market conditions and industry needs.

Key Provisions

The Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Regulations 1977, as amended, introduce a new regulation (Regulation 6) to set the base price for the 1976 season of dried vine fruits. Specifically, section 6 of these regulations stipulates that the base price for the 1976 season is set at $467.09 per tonne for currants, $427.73 per tonne for sultanas, and $398.20 per tonne for raisins. These prices are intended to be used for the purposes outlined in subsection 10(2) of the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971. The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily on the parties involved in the production, sale, and stabilisation of dried vine fruits. Producers, processors, and other entities within the dried vine fruits industry must adhere to the specified base prices as determined by these regulations. These prices are crucial for calculating the financial support or subsidies that may be provided under the Act, ensuring that all parties are compensated fairly for their produce based on the set prices. Additionally, market participants are required to report and document their transactions in compliance with the stipulated base prices to maintain transparency and accuracy in the stabilisation process. Breach of these regulations, particularly the failure to comply with the specified base prices or improper reporting, can lead to serious consequences. Under the Dried Vine Fruits Stabilization Act 1971, violations may result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and other monetary sanctions as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The Act does not explicitly state maximum penalties for breaches, but it implies that the severity of the penalty will be commensurate with the nature and extent of the non-compliance. Criminal penalties might also apply in cases of deliberate or repeated violations, potentially leading to prosecution and imprisonment. It is imperative for all parties involved to strictly adhere to the regulations to avoid these legal repercussions.