Export Expansion Grants Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Export Expansion Grants Regulations (Amendment) 1981 were made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, under the authority of the Export Expansion Grants Act 1978. These regulations aim to address the need for amendments to the Export Expansion Grants Regulations to ensure they remain effective in supporting and encouraging Australian businesses in their export activities. This amendment, which became effective from the grant year commencing 1 July 1981, was intended to refine the eligibility criteria for the grants, thereby ensuring that the financial support provided under the Act reached those businesses most in need and most capable of contributing to Australia's economic growth through increased exports. The policy objective behind these amendments was to provide clarity and precision in the administration of export grants, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the support provided to the export sector.

Scope and Application

The Export Expansion Grants Regulations (Amendment) 1981, made under the Export Expansion Grants Act 1978, specify amendments to the provisions governing eligibility for export expansion grants. These regulations apply to claims for grants relating to the grant year that began on 1 July 1981 and each subsequent grant year. The scope of these regulations encompasses entities involved in export activities within the Commonwealth of Australia, aiming to support and stimulate the expansion of Australian exports. The amendments introduced by these regulations specifically modify the eligibility criteria for the provision of grants, as outlined in clause 6 of Schedule 2 to the Export Expansion Grants Regulations. This adjustment is intended to refine the criteria for determining which entities qualify for the grants, thereby ensuring that the support is effectively targeted towards those who can benefit most from it. The regulations extend their application through the process of amending the existing statutory rules, ensuring that the updated criteria are incorporated into the governance of export expansion grants for the specified timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Export Expansion Grants Regulations, as amended by the Statutory Rules 1981 No. 3221, introduce significant changes to the eligibility criteria for applicants seeking Export Expansion Grants (Regulation 2). These changes apply to claims related to the grant year beginning on 1 July 1981 and subsequent years. The amendment specifically modifies clause 6 of Schedule 2 by inserting the word "eligible" after "provision of," thereby narrowing the scope of what is considered a provision for the purposes of grant eligibility. These regulations impose certain obligations on applicants to ensure that they meet the updated eligibility criteria (Schedule 2, clause 6). To be considered for an Export Expansion Grant under these amended regulations, applicants must now clearly demonstrate that their provision meets the specific eligibility criteria. This may involve providing additional documentation or evidence to substantiate their claims. Furthermore, applicants are required to adhere to all other provisions of the Export Expansion Grants Act 1978 and any other relevant regulations that govern the application process. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in these regulations can lead to serious consequences. The Export Expansion Grants Act 1978 outlines various offences and penalties for non-compliance. Specifically, section 12 of the Act provides that any person who knowingly makes a false or misleading statement in an application for a grant commits an offence. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of up to $22,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Additionally, section 13 of the Act stipulates that any person who is found to have misused grant funds is liable for a penalty of up to three times the amount misused. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of accurate and truthful information in grant applications.