Overview

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, enacted by the Australian Parliament, addresses the need for funding and regulation of the meat and livestock industry to ensure its sustainable growth and development. This Act provides a framework for the regulation of the industry, including the collection of levies from participants to fund research, development, and marketing activities. The 2014-15 Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the red meat industry, determined by the delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fran Freeman, under the authority granted by the Act, was set at $11,968,426,803. This determination ensures that the industry is adequately funded for its research and development activities, supporting the policy objective of fostering a competitive and innovative meat and livestock sector in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 applies to the red meat industry within the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing entities such as livestock producers, meat processors, and other entities directly involved in the production and processing of red meat. This legislation mandates the collection of funds through the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for research and development activities, as illustrated by the determination of the GVP for the 2014-15 financial year. The Gross Value of Production for the red meat industry for that period was set at $11,968,426,803. The Act’s application is extended through subordinate instruments that may further detail the collection and allocation of these funds to ensure effective research and development initiatives within the sector. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but it operates within the scope defined by the terms of the legislation and any relevant subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The legislation, C2015G01191, establishes the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the red meat industry for the 2014-15 financial year. According to the document, the GVP for the red meat industry is determined to be $11,968,426,803 (sections 66(3) and 70(2)). This figure is crucial as it serves as the basis for funding research and development activities within the industry. The determination is made by Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, who exercises this authority under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997. The Act imposes specific obligations on the red meat industry, including the requirement to accurately report and pay the determined GVP for research and development purposes. This ensures that the industry contributes to initiatives that aim to improve productivity, sustainability, and the overall health of the sector. The determination of the GVP is an administrative process that must be conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Act. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act could result in various consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in this particular legislation, it is important to note that breaches of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 could potentially lead to civil or criminal penalties. These could include fines, legal action, or other regulatory measures as stipulated in the broader Act. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and would be determined in accordance with the relevant sections of the overarching Act.