Overview

The Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 was enacted to establish a funding mechanism for research and development services within the sugar industry. This legislation was introduced to address the need for sustainable growth and innovation within the industry, ensuring that it remains competitive and efficient. The Act was passed by the Australian Parliament with the policy objective of enhancing the industry's productivity and profitability through targeted research and development activities. The determination of the Gross Value of Production for 2014-15, as exemplified in the 2015 Gazette, ensures that the industry has the necessary financial resources to support its research and development needs, ultimately contributing to its long-term viability and success.

Scope and Application

The C2015G01192 notification, issued under the authority of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, sets out the Gross Value of Production for the sugar industry for the financial year 2014-15. This Act applies to the sugar industry, specifically sugar cane producers, and the determination of the Gross Value of Production is a key aspect of funding research and development activities within this sector. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it pertains to the entire sugar industry across Australia. This determination by Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, is made in accordance with the provisions of the Act and serves to allocate funds necessary for research and development services, reflecting the economic contribution and needs of the sugar industry. There are no explicit exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds stated in this particular notification, but the Act may provide for these in its broader provisions. The application of the Act can also be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary to address the evolving requirements of the sugar industry.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this piece of legislation, C2015G01192, revolve around the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the sugar industry for the financial year 2014-15. As per section 12(1) of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, the delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, in this case, Fran Freeman, is tasked with determining the GVP amount for the sugar industry. This is a critical step as the GVP serves as the basis for calculating the levies that will fund research and development activities within the industry. Section 7(4) of the Act mandates that this determination must be made in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and methodologies. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this legislation include the requirement for the delegate to accurately determine the GVP using the prescribed data and methodologies. This ensures that the levy collected is reflective of the true economic output of the industry, thereby providing adequate funds for research and development. The delegate must ensure that all relevant data is collected and analysed to arrive at an accurate GVP figure. This process involves gathering production data, market prices, and other relevant economic indicators from industry stakeholders. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act could result in various consequences, both civil and criminal. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text, the Act implies that breaches could lead to legal action. This might include penalties for inaccurate reporting or failure to provide necessary data. The maximum penalties would depend on the severity and intent of the breach, and could potentially involve fines or other sanctions. The precise penalties are likely outlined in the main body of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, but the seriousness of non-compliance is underscored by the legislative framework in place.