Honey Levy (No. 2) Amendment Act 1991

Overview

The Honey Levy (No. 2) Amendment Act 1991 was enacted to amend the Honey Levy Act (No. 2) 1962, addressing the need to adjust the rates of levy on honey as stipulated under the original act. This amendment was introduced by the Parliament of Australia and received Royal Assent on 21 October 1991. The primary objective of the legislation was to increase the levy rate from 0.50 cent to 0.75 cent per kilogram of honey, reflecting an updated approach to support and regulate the honey industry in Australia. The act specifies the changes to be made to the Principal Act and indicates that these amendments would take effect from the date of Royal Assent.

Scope and Application

The Honey Levy (No. 2) Amendment Act 1991 amends the Honey Levy Act (No. 2) 1962, which primarily applies to entities involved in the production, processing, and distribution of honey within Australia. The amendment adjusts the rates of the levy that was originally established under the Principal Act to better align with contemporary economic conditions and industry standards. The amendment specifies a new rate of 0.75 cents per kilogram, replacing the previous rate of 0.50 cents per kilogram, and applies to all honey produced and processed within the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act's scope is limited to the modification of the levy rate and does not introduce new regulatory measures or alter the existing framework governing honey production and distribution. The legislation is a Commonwealth Act, indicating that it applies across all states and territories within Australia, ensuring uniformity in the application of the amended levy rates. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds mentioned in the text, suggesting that the amended levy applies universally to all honey producers and processors within the defined scope. The Act itself does not extend its application through subordinate instruments, but regulations or guidelines related to the implementation of the levy might be issued under other legislative provisions.

Key Provisions

The Honey Levy (No. 2) Amendment Act 1991 (section 1) updates the Honey Levy Act (No. 2) 1962 by amending the rates of levy applied to the production of honey in Australia. The most significant change is found in section 3, which modifies the levy rate from 0.50 cents to 0.75 cents per kilogram of honey produced. This adjustment reflects the current economic conditions and the need to ensure fair compensation for beekeepers while maintaining the integrity of the honey industry. The Act imposes obligations on honey producers and industry stakeholders to comply with the new levy rates as stipulated in section 3. Producers must now account for the increased levy when reporting their honey production and when making payments to the relevant authorities. This requirement ensures that the additional revenue generated from the increased levy is appropriately collected and used for the purposes intended under the Honey Levy Act (No. 2) 1962. Failure to comply with the provisions of the amended Act may result in legal consequences. Under section 4 of the Principal Act, any person who fails to comply with the requirements of the Act, including the payment of the correct levy, may be liable for penalties. The maximum penalty for such an offence is specified in the Principal Act, with potential fines or other sanctions that may be imposed by the relevant authorities. It is crucial for all parties involved in the honey industry to be aware of these obligations and to ensure full compliance to avoid any legal repercussions.