Overview

The Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to address the need for funding research and development activities within the sugar industry. This legislation aims to ensure that the sugar industry has the necessary resources to improve its practices and overall productivity. The Act provides a mechanism for determining the Gross Value of Production for the sugar industry, which is then used to allocate funds for research and development initiatives. In June 2016, Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, determined that the Gross Value of Production for the sugar industry for the 2015-16 period was $1,327,089,019, thereby enabling the allocation of funds to support relevant research and development activities within the industry.

Scope and Application

The "Gross Value of Production for the Sugar Industry for 2015-16" legislation, issued under the authority of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, applies specifically to the sugar industry within Australia. The legislation determines the gross value of production for the sugar industry for the financial year 2015-16, which is set at $1,327,089,019. This amount is intended to be used for funding research and development activities within the industry. The Act targets the sugar industry and its stakeholders, including sugar cane growers, processors, and associated entities engaged in the production and commercialisation of sugar. The legislation operates on a national scale, as it pertains to the entire sugar industry across Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds in the gazette itself, but the application of the funds determined by this legislation may be subject to conditions and oversight under the overarching Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013. Subordinate instruments or regulations under this Act may provide further detail on the allocation and use of the determined gross value of production.

Key Provisions

The legislation in question, dated 27 June 2016, determines the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the sugar industry for the 2015-16 period. Specifically, section 12(1) of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 empowers a delegate of the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources to make such determinations. Section 7(4) outlines the procedure for these determinations, which in this case has resulted in a GVP of $1,327,089,019 for sugar cane (section 1). This amount is to be used for funding research and development activities within the industry. The Act imposes certain obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources has the authority to delegate the task of determining the GVP to a suitable official, in this case, Fran Freeman (section 12(1)). The delegate must follow the procedures stipulated in the Act, including ensuring the determination is based on accurate and relevant data (section 7(4)). This process ensures that the GVP is fair and reflective of the industry’s economic contribution. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act may lead to legal consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed in this particular legislation, breaches of similar legislative provisions in related Acts often result in fines or other penalties. For instance, under the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, there could be civil penalties for non-compliance, which might include financial penalties. Additionally, if the non-compliance is deemed to be egregious or willful, criminal charges could be pursued, potentially leading to more severe penalties, including imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature of the breach and any relevant case law or precedents.