Overview

The Pig Industry Act 2001 was enacted to provide a framework for the pig industry in Australia, addressing issues such as market access, animal welfare, and industry development. This Act was introduced to create a stable and sustainable environment for the pig industry, ensuring that it could effectively contribute to the national economy while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and environmental protection. The Act was enacted by the Australian Parliament, reflecting a commitment to supporting one of the country's key agricultural sectors. The policy objective of the Act is to promote the growth and competitiveness of the pig industry, ensuring that it remains viable and profitable for industry participants while adhering to rigorous standards of care and sustainability. Through this legislation, the government aims to balance the needs of the industry with the broader public interest in animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

Scope and Application

The Pig Industry Act 2001 governs the pig industry in Australia, providing a framework for the regulation of the industry, including the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the industry. The Act applies to all entities and persons involved in the production of pigs within Australia, encompassing various aspects of the industry, such as the breeding, rearing, and processing of pigs. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this Act is national, operating under Commonwealth authority. The Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, determines the Gross Value of Production for the industry, as evidenced by the 2017-18 determination of $1,258,757,656. The Act also extends its application through subordinate instruments, which may provide further detail on specific aspects of the industry and its regulation. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within this specific gazette; however, the broader Act may include provisions that define these elements for different components of the industry.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this legislation, subsection 10(8) of the Pig Industry Act 2001, provides the authority for the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources to determine the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the pig industry for a specified financial year. In this instance, the Minister has determined the GVP for the 2017-18 financial year to be $1,258,757,656 (subsection 10(8)). This determination is based on the relevant data and calculations required under the Act. The obligations imposed by this legislation are primarily on the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, who is tasked with the responsibility of determining the GVP for the pig industry annually. The Minister must ensure that the GVP is calculated accurately and based on the most recent and relevant data available. This determination is a statutory requirement under the Pig Industry Act 2001 and is intended to provide a benchmark for the industry’s economic performance and to inform various stakeholders, including government, industry participants, and investors. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Pig Industry Act 2001, including the accurate determination of the GVP, could potentially result in legal consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the provided excerpt of the legislation, it is likely that any significant non-compliance could lead to civil or administrative actions. These could include fines, corrective actions, or other penalties as prescribed by the Act or relevant regulations. Additionally, inaccuracies in the GVP could have broader implications for industry reporting, funding allocations, and policy-making, which could indirectly affect industry participants. In summary, this legislation mandates the Minister to determine the Gross Value of Production for the pig industry for the specified financial year, which is a critical economic indicator for the sector. The Minister’s obligation to accurately calculate and report this figure is essential for the effective governance and regulation of the pig industry in Australia. Non-compliance with the Act’s requirements could result in legal and administrative repercussions, although specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text.