Overview

The Gross Value of Production for the Sugar Industry for 2019-20 Act (C2020G00573) was enacted to provide a clear and official determination of the gross value of production for the sugar industry in Australia for the financial year 2019-20. This legislation was introduced by the Australian government, specifically through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, to address the need for accurate and updated financial metrics for the sugar industry. The policy objective is to ensure that the sugar industry has a reliable and officially recognised measure of its gross value of production, which is crucial for various economic analyses, policy-making, and industry planning. The Act was gazetted on 18 June 2019, with Cassandra Kennedy, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, determining the gross value of production for the sugar cane industry to be $1,251,876,722 for the specified financial year. This determination is a formal recognition of the economic contribution of the sugar industry and is intended to provide a benchmark for future assessments and related legislative requirements.

Scope and Application

The Gross Value of Production for the Sugar Industry for the 2019-20 period, as determined under the authority of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, applies specifically to entities and individuals engaged in the production of sugar cane within Australia. This legislative instrument sets the gross value of production for sugar cane at $1,251,876,722, which serves as a financial benchmark for the industry. This determination is applicable nationally, covering all sugar cane producers across Australia, and is pivotal for the allocation of funds and resources aimed at supporting research and development services within the sugar industry. The Act itself extends its application through subordinate instruments that may further refine or expand upon the provisions outlined, ensuring that the industry has the necessary support to maintain its viability and sustainability.

Key Provisions

The Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 (the Act) contains various provisions governing the sugar industry, particularly concerning the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP). Section 7(4) of the Act empowers a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to determine the GVP for the sugar industry for a specified year. In this instance, the delegate, Cassandra Kennedy, has determined the GVP for the sugar industry for the 2019-20 financial year to be $1,251,876,722. This determination is based on the gross value of production of sugar cane as stated in the Gazette (C2020G00573). Under the Act, the delegate's role is to ensure that the GVP is accurately calculated and publicly notified. This determination is a critical element in the administration of the sugar industry, as it influences funding allocations for research and development services. The delegate must consider relevant data and information to make an informed decision, ensuring that the GVP reflects the economic contribution of the sugar industry for the specified period. The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties involved include the requirement for the delegate to meticulously calculate the GVP based on reliable and current data. The delegate must also ensure that the determination is made in accordance with the provisions of the Act and is formally notified to the relevant stakeholders. This transparency is essential for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the sugar industry's financial reporting. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act may result in legal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Gazette, the Act likely includes provisions for enforcement actions, including fines or other penalties for non-compliance. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Act would be detailed in the relevant sections of the Act itself, ensuring that the delegate's determination process is conducted with due diligence and accuracy.