Overview

The Forestry Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2007 was enacted by the Australian Parliament to address the need for structured marketing and research services for the forestry industry, ensuring its sustainable growth and development. This legislation established a framework to support the industry through funding and initiatives that promote efficient and competitive forestry practices. The policy objective behind the Act is to enhance the viability and productivity of the forestry sector by providing a dedicated funding mechanism derived from a levy on the gross value of production. The determination of the Gross Value of Production for the 2019-20 financial year, as detailed in the gazette, reflects the continued commitment to supporting the forestry industry's economic contribution and sustainability.

Scope and Application

The Gross Value of Production for the Forestry Industry for 2019-20, as determined under the authority of the Forestry Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2007, applies to the forestry industry in Australia. This Act is a Commonwealth legislation, extending its reach across all states and territories within the nation. Specifically, the Act applies to the calculation and reporting of the gross value of production for the forestry sector, ensuring that industry figures are accurately recorded and reported. The determination of the Gross Value of Production for the 2019-20 financial year, set at $2,645,698,053, is a statutory requirement aimed at providing a comprehensive assessment of the sector's economic contribution. This determination by Cassandra Kennedy, as a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, is subject to the provisions of the Act and its subordinate instruments, which may further specify the methodology and criteria for such calculations. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds noted within the text of this determination, although broader provisions of the Act might provide for such details.

Key Provisions

The Gross Value of Production for the Forestry Industry for the 2019-20 period, as determined under the Forestry Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2007, is set forth by Cassandra Kennedy, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. The key operative section in this context is section 9(4)(a) (section 9 subsection 4 paragraph a) of the Act, which authorises the delegate to determine the Gross Value of Production for the industry annually. For the specified period, the Gross Value of Production is quantified at $2,645,698,053 (section 1). This determination is crucial as it provides a benchmark for the industry's economic contribution and informs various policy decisions related to funding and support mechanisms within the forestry sector. The Act imposes specific obligations on the delegate, such as Cassandra Kennedy, who must ensure that the Gross Value of Production is accurately calculated and publicly announced. This involves gathering comprehensive data from various stakeholders within the forestry industry, including but not limited to, timber producers, processors, and distributors. The delegate must also ensure that the determination is made transparently and is based on verifiable and reliable data sources. The obligation to provide this information in a timely manner is also part of the mandate, ensuring that stakeholders have access to this critical economic indicator to inform their business planning and decisions. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act, including the accurate determination and announcement of the Gross Value of Production, may result in civil or administrative consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is generally understood that non-compliance with legislative requirements can lead to enforcement actions by the relevant authorities. These may include fines, corrective actions, or other measures designed to ensure adherence to the Act’s provisions. The maximum penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any subsequent legal interpretations or amendments to the Act. It is essential for parties governed by the Act to adhere strictly to its requirements to avoid any adverse consequences.