Export Market Development Grants Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1976 No. 228, made under the Export Market Development Grants Act 1974, was enacted to amend the Export Market Development Grants Regulations. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for updating and expanding the list of eligible entities for export market development grants. The objective of this regulation is to ensure that the grants continue to support a broader range of businesses and co-operatives involved in export activities. The regulation was enacted by the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and it amends the Schedule of the Export Market Development Grants Regulations by adding new entities to the list of eligible recipients for export market development grants. This amendment reflects the evolving landscape of Australian industry and aims to support a diverse range of export-oriented businesses.

Scope and Application

Statutory Rules 1976 No. 228, made under the Export Market Development Grants Act 1974, pertains to the regulation of export market development grants. This legislation applies to specified entities involved in export activities, notably including co-operatives and associations within various industries such as agriculture, shipping, and food processing. These entities are identified in the Schedule 1 of the regulations, which was amended to include additional co-operatives and limited companies. The regulation extends its reach to entities across the Commonwealth of Australia, facilitating export market development grants to eligible participants. The application of this Act is further governed by subordinate instruments, which may provide additional details or amendments to the original regulations. The specific exclusions or exemptions are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they are likely to be detailed in the main Act or subsequent amendments.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this legislative instrument pertain to the amendments of Schedule 1 to the Export Market Development Grants Regulations, as outlined in Schedule 1 of Statutory Rules 1976 No. 228. This regulation, made under the Export Market Development Grants Act 1974, involves the insertion of several new entities into the Schedule 1 list. These entities include Anderson Equipment Co-operative Limited, Australian Shipping Commission, Berri Fruit Juices Co-operative Limited, Budge-Ellis Co-operative Limited, Co-operative Farmers and Graziers Direct Meat Supply Limited, Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society, Drouin Co-operative Butter Factory Company Limited, Letona Co-operative Limited, Namoi Cotton Co-operative Limited, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, and Westralian Farmers Co-operative Limited. These amendments aim to expand the scope of entities eligible for export market development grants by including these additional co-operatives and corporations. The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations on the parties or entities governed by them primarily relate to eligibility for export market development grants. By being included in the amended Schedule 1, these new entities become eligible to apply for such grants under the Export Market Development Grants Act 1974. This inclusion signifies that they are recognised as entities that can potentially benefit from and contribute to the export market development initiatives supported by the Australian government. The regulation ensures that these entities can now seek financial assistance for projects aimed at developing and expanding their export markets, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Act and its associated regulations. Regarding the consequences for breaches, the regulation itself does not specify any offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, under the Export Market Development Grants Act 1974, there are provisions that outline penalties for misuse or misappropriation of grants. Such breaches could potentially result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The maximum penalties for such offences would be in accordance with the provisions of the Act, which could include substantial fines and imprisonment terms as stipulated in the relevant sections of the Act. Compliance with the terms and conditions of the grants is crucial to avoid any legal repercussions.