Overview

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 was enacted to provide a framework for the regulation and development of the Australian meat and livestock industry. The Act addresses the need for an effective regulatory structure that ensures the industry's sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness both domestically and internationally. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia, with the aim of creating a robust legislative environment that supports the growth and stability of the meat and livestock sector. The policy objective of the Act is to foster a viable and profitable industry that contributes significantly to the national economy, while also ensuring animal welfare and environmental sustainability. On 21st June 2017, Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, determined the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the red meat industry for the 2016-17 financial year under the authority of the Act. The GVP for the red meat industry was determined to be $16,481,089,917, reflecting the economic significance of this sector in Australia. This determination is crucial for various stakeholders, including the government, industry participants, and consumers, as it provides a benchmark for understanding the industry's economic contribution and for making informed policy and investment decisions.

Scope and Application

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 (AMLI Act) applies to entities and individuals involved in the meat and livestock industry, specifically targeting their production, processing, and distribution. The Act, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, regulates various aspects of the meat industry, including animal welfare, meat hygiene, and industry sustainability. The Gross Value of Production (GVP) determination, as exemplified by the 2016-17 GVP for the red meat industry of $16,481,089,917, is a crucial component of the AMLI Act. This determination applies nationally across Australia, impacting all states and territories where meat production occurs. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or thresholds within the scope of this GVP determination, but it extends its reach through subordinate instruments that detail specific regulations and compliance requirements. The AMLI Act thus serves as a comprehensive framework to ensure the industry's adherence to national standards and practices.

Key Provisions

The Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the red meat industry for the 2016-17 period has been officially determined by Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, under section 70(2) of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 (section 70(2)). This determination, published in Gazette C2017G00766, sets the GVP for the red meat industry at $16,481,089,917 for the specified financial year (section 66(3)). This figure represents the total value of the red meat produced in Australia during that period, which is essential for economic analysis and policy-making within the industry. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties involved in the red meat industry, ensuring that the production and processing align with national standards and regulatory frameworks. For example, entities within the industry must comply with the meat processing standards and regulations set forth by the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, which includes ensuring traceability and quality control measures are adhered to. The GVP determination itself is part of the regulatory oversight that ensures transparency and accountability in the industry’s economic output. In the event of non-compliance with the requirements set by the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, there are potential civil and criminal consequences for the entities involved. The Act stipulates penalties for breaches, which can include fines and other sanctions. Although the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in this particular Gazette, the Act provides a framework under which penalties can be applied, ensuring that industry participants adhere to the stipulated standards and practices. The maximum penalties for breaches can be significant, reflecting the importance of compliance in maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the red meat industry.