Overview

The Pig Industry Act 2001 was enacted to provide a framework for the pig industry in Australia, addressing the need for effective regulation and oversight to ensure the sector's sustainability and growth. This Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia, with the aim of supporting the pig industry through various measures, including the determination of the Gross Value of Production. This particular determination, issued by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, provides the pig industry with a clear financial benchmark for the 2019-20 period. This determination serves as a crucial reference point for industry stakeholders, including farmers, processors, and government bodies, in making informed decisions regarding the sector's future direction and investment.

Scope and Application

The Pig Industry Act 2001 applies to the pig industry within Australia, focusing on the financial aspects of production and ensuring accurate reporting of the gross value of production. This Act specifically applies to entities involved in the pig farming and processing sectors, including farmers, processors, and any other stakeholders directly engaged in the production chain. The determination of the gross value of production is crucial for various regulatory, financial, and industry analysis purposes. The geographical reach of this Act is nationwide, covering all states and territories in Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to the valuation and reporting of pig production across the country. While the Act itself sets out the primary framework and objectives, it extends its application through subordinate instruments, which may include regulations or orders that further detail the procedures and requirements for reporting and valuation. These instruments help to clarify and expand upon the provisions of the Act, ensuring compliance and consistency in the industry.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the legislation, C2020G00577, detail the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the pig industry for the 2019-20 period. According to subsection 10(8)(a) of the Pig Industry Act 2001, Cassandra Kennedy, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, has officially determined that the GVP for the pig industry for the specified period is $1,292,761,859 (subsection 10(8)(a)). This determination is crucial as it underpins various economic and policy decisions related to the industry. The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on the parties involved. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, through a delegate, is mandated to determine the GVP of the pig industry annually. This responsibility ensures that accurate and up-to-date economic data is available for stakeholders, including farmers, industry associations, and government bodies. The process requires meticulous collection and analysis of production data to arrive at a precise figure, which is then published in the Gazette to ensure transparency and accountability. While the legislation itself does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach, the importance of accurate GVP determinations cannot be understated. Any inaccuracies or failures to comply with the statutory requirements could potentially lead to misinformed policy decisions, impacting funding, subsidies, and other economic supports provided to the industry. Furthermore, any disputes or challenges regarding the GVP determinations could lead to legal proceedings, where the courts would assess the validity of the determination process and its adherence to the Act. In summary, the legislation mandates the determination of the GVP for the pig industry for the 2019-20 period, ensuring economic data is accurately reflected. It imposes the responsibility on the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to undertake this task, with the resultant figure published in the Gazette. Although specific penalties are not outlined in this piece of legislation, the accuracy of the GVP is critical for economic and policy decisions affecting the industry.