Live-Stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Livestock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Regulations (Amendment) 1987, issued under the authority of the Minister of State for Resources, amend the existing Livestock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Regulations 1979. The 1979 Act established a framework for imposing charges on the slaughter of livestock intended for export, aligning with the need to regulate and monitor the export process. The 1987 amendment was introduced to address the need for revised rates of charge, ensuring they remain competitive and reflective of contemporary market conditions. The policy objective is to adjust the regulatory framework to better suit the economic realities of livestock export while maintaining oversight and compliance with export standards. These regulations are set to take effect on 1 November 1987, implementing the new lower charge rates as outlined in the amendment.

Scope and Application

The Live-stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Regulations (Amendment) pertain to the application and rates of charges imposed on the slaughter of livestock intended for export. This amendment applies to any person or entity involved in the slaughter of livestock for export purposes within Australia, affecting industries engaged in the export of meat products. The geographic reach of the Act is national, as it operates under the Commonwealth framework established by the Live-stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Act 1979. The Act allows for the imposition of charges to cover the costs of inspection and certification associated with the export of livestock, ensuring that these processes meet international standards. The regulations are subject to modifications through subordinate instruments, which may further refine the application and rates of the charges. There are no specific exclusions or thresholds mentioned in the provided text, but the rates of charge are adjusted to be lower than the current rates, indicating a policy shift towards potentially easing the financial burden on exporters.

Key Provisions

The Live-stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Regulations (Amendment) 1987, as referenced under Statutory Rules 1987 No 249, primarily concern the amendment of charge rates for the slaughter of livestock intended for export. According to section 8(1) of the Live-stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Act 1979, the Governor-General is empowered to establish these regulations, which pertain to sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Act. These sections detail the imposition of charges related to the slaughter of livestock. The regulations specify the applicable rates for these charges, which are to be determined based on the class of livestock in question, as outlined in section 6 of the Act. These regulations impose specific obligations on entities and individuals involved in the export of livestock. They must comply with the revised rates of charge as stipulated in the amended regulations. This includes ensuring that the appropriate charges are levied and collected for each class of livestock being exported. The regulations necessitate accurate record-keeping and reporting to ensure that the correct charges are applied and paid. The entities responsible for the export of livestock must adapt to the new rates and ensure that all transactions reflect these updated charges. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Live-stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Regulations (Amendment) may result in civil or criminal consequences. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the explanatory statement, but under Australian law, breaches of such regulations could typically lead to fines, legal action, or other enforcement measures. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the specific breach and the jurisdiction's regulatory framework. The regulations come into effect on 1 November 1987, and all parties must ensure adherence to these new provisions from that date forward.