Overview

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament to establish a framework for the regulation and development of the Australian meat and livestock industry. This Act was introduced to address the need for a structured approach to industry regulation, funding for research and development, and the promotion of industry standards. The policy objective of the Act is to support the sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness of the meat and livestock sector. The Act delegates authority to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to determine the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the industry annually. This determination is essential for allocating funds for research and development activities, ensuring that the industry remains innovative and responsive to market demands. On 27th June 2016, Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Secretary, determined the GVP for the red meat industry for the 2015-16 financial year to be $14,711,264,235, facilitating the allocation of funds for industry-specific research and development.

Scope and Application

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, as evidenced by the gazette C2016G00953, applies to the entities within the red meat industry, focusing on the financial obligations for research and development activities. This legislation mandates the calculation and payment of a Gross Value of Production (GVP) levy, which is used to fund industry research and development. The specified GVP for the red meat industry for the 2015-16 financial year is $14,711,264,235. This Act operates within the Commonwealth jurisdiction, impacting all entities involved in the production of red meat within Australia. The levy applies to businesses and entities that participate in the production of red meat, ensuring they contribute to the collective funding of research and development initiatives. The Act allows for the extension and modification of the GVP through subordinate instruments, ensuring it can adapt to changes in the industry over time. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions mentioned in this particular gazette, which implies that all relevant entities within the specified industry must comply with the GVP levy requirements.

Key Provisions

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 provides a framework for the regulation and development of the Australian meat and livestock industry. Section 66(3) of the Act mandates that a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources determines the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the industry, which is used to fund research and development activities. Section 70(2) of the Act specifies that this delegate can make such determinations. In this instance, the delegate, Fran Freeman, has determined the GVP for the red meat industry for the 2015-16 period to be $14,711,264,235. This amount is intended to fund research and development initiatives that will improve the efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness of the red meat industry. Under this legislation, the primary obligation of the delegate is to accurately assess and determine the GVP for the industry. This involves gathering and analysing data related to the production and sales of red meat within the specified period. The delegate must ensure that the GVP figure reflects the true economic contribution of the industry, thereby justifying the allocation of funds for research and development purposes. Additionally, the delegate is required to make the determination in accordance with the provisions of the Act, ensuring that the process is transparent and accountable. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 can result in legal consequences. The Act does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance in the context of determining the GVP. However, the delegate's actions are subject to general legal principles and potential repercussions for any administrative errors or breaches of statutory duties. For example, if the delegate's determination of the GVP is found to be based on incorrect or incomplete data, this could lead to legal challenges or the need for a re-assessment of the GVP. In such cases, the delegate may be required to provide a corrected determination, and any funds incorrectly allocated could be subject to recovery. In summary, the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, through the actions of the delegate, Fran Freeman, has determined the Gross Value of Production for the red meat industry for 2015-16 to be $14,711,264,235. This determination is crucial for funding research and development initiatives that aim to enhance the industry's performance. The delegate's primary obligation is to ensure an accurate and fair assessment of the GVP. While the Act does not specify particular penalties for non-compliance, any errors or breaches of duty could lead to legal consequences, including the need for a corrected determination and potential recovery of funds.