Overview

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, was introduced to establish a framework for the regulation and development of the Australian meat and livestock industry, ensuring it operates in a manner that is efficient and beneficial to stakeholders. The Act provides a legislative basis for the collection of industry levies and their allocation towards research, development, and marketing activities, with the overarching policy objective of enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the red meat industry. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, Matthew Koval, as a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, has the authority to determine the Gross Value of Production for the red meat industry, a critical component in the allocation of funds for industry-specific research and development. On 4 August 2014, Koval revoked the previous determination of the Gross Value of Production for 2013-14 and set the new amount at $10,916,380,392, reflecting the financial landscape of the red meat industry for that financial year.

Scope and Application

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 applies to the red meat industry, encompassing entities engaged in the production, processing, and sale of red meat, including beef, lamb, and goat meat. This Act governs the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for research and development purposes, as demonstrated in the revocation and subsequent determination of the GVP for the 2013-14 financial year. The scope of the Act is jurisdictional, falling under the purview of the Commonwealth, with the authority to determine the GVP resting with a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. The Act specifies the financial threshold for the GVP, which is subject to annual determination and adjustment, and provides for the allocation of funds derived from this GVP towards research and development activities within the red meat industry. Notably, the Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions from its application, implying a broad reach across relevant entities and activities within the industry. The authority to extend or restrict application may be exercised through subordinate instruments, as per the provisions of the Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, as per C2014G01312 (Gazette), involve the revocation of a previous determination and the establishment of a new Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the Red Meat Industry for the 2013-14 financial year. Section 70(2) of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 allows the delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture to make this determination. Matthew Koval, acting in his capacity as a delegate, uses section 66(3) of the Act to officially revoke the earlier determination dated 23 July 2014 and sets the new GVP amount at $10,916,380,392. This new figure is specifically for funding research and development activities within the Red Meat Industry. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include the necessity for accurate reporting and assessment of the Gross Value of Production for the Red Meat Industry. The delegate, in this case Matthew Koval, must ensure that the new GVP figure reflects the true economic output of the industry for the designated financial year. This accurate assessment is crucial for the allocation of funds towards research and development, which is essential for the continued growth and innovation within the industry. Additionally, the industry must comply with the reporting requirements set out in the Act to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of these funds. The legislation also outlines potential consequences for non-compliance or breaches of the requirements stipulated. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the Gazette, breaches of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 could lead to a variety of civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, legal action, or other regulatory measures imposed by the relevant authorities. The maximum penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and would be determined in accordance with the provisions of the primary Act. It is essential for the parties governed by this legislation to adhere to the requirements to avoid any potential legal repercussions.