Overview

The Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 was enacted to ensure that the sugar industry invests in research and development activities that enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. The Act addresses the problem of ensuring adequate funding for research and development in the sugar industry by establishing a mechanism for calculating and collecting the Gross Value of Production (GVP) levy. This levy is intended to finance research and development services that benefit the industry. The policy objective is to support innovation and improvement within the sugar industry through targeted funding from the industry itself. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this Act provides a legislative framework for determining the GVP and ensuring that the necessary funds are available for research and development purposes.

Scope and Application

The Gross Value of Production for the Sugar Industry for the 2013-14 financial year, as determined under the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, applies to the sugar cane industry and the entities involved in its production. The Act is a Commonwealth legislation, establishing the financial contribution required from the industry towards research and development activities aimed at improving the sector's efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. The Gross Value of Production, calculated at $1,211,443,150 for the sugar cane industry, is intended to fund initiatives that benefit all participants in the sugar supply chain. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions; however, the scope of the legislation is limited to the sugar industry within the Australian jurisdiction. The application of this legislation may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which could further define specific requirements or conditions for the use of the funds collected under the Gross Value of Production.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, C2014G01313, detail the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the sugar industry for the 2013-14 financial year. As per subsection 12(1) of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, the delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, Matthew Koval, is authorised to determine this amount. This determination is made in accordance with subsection 7(4) of the same Act and has been gazetted on the 23rd of July, 2014. The specific GVP for the sugar cane industry has been set at $1,211,443,150 for the research and development activities of that year. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation include the mandate for Matthew Koval, as the delegate, to ensure that the GVP is accurately calculated and that it reflects the true economic value of the sugar industry’s production for the specified financial year. This calculation must be based on the provisions and guidelines set out in the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013. The determination must be transparent and justifiable, ensuring that it aligns with the legislative intent to fund research and development activities adequately. Failure to comply with the requirements of this legislation can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this gazette, breaches of statutory obligations under the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 can result in fines or other penalties as stipulated by the Act. The penalties can vary depending on the severity and nature of the breach, but they are designed to ensure adherence to the legislative framework and to protect the interests of the sugar industry and its stakeholders. In summary, this legislation determines the GVP for the sugar cane industry for 2013-14, mandates the calculation and reporting of this value by an authorised delegate, and sets the stage for potential penalties for non-compliance with the established requirements. The precise nature and extent of these penalties are outlined within the broader context of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013.