Livestock Producers Consultative Group (Temporary Provisions) Regulations

Overview

The Live-stock Producers Consultative Group (Temporary Provisions) Regulations, 1977, were enacted to provide temporary provisions for the establishment and operation of the Live-stock Producers Consultative Group under the Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation Act 1977. The Act itself was enacted to establish the Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation and address the need for a coordinated approach to the meat and livestock industry, including the promotion of exports and the development of markets. These Regulations were made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and they aim to ensure that the Group can function effectively and efficiently in its consultative role. The Regulations specify the number of members of the Group, the method of their appointment, the procedures for meetings, and the terms of office for the Chairman, all designed to facilitate the Group's advisory functions to the Corporation.

Scope and Application

The Live-stock Producers Consultative Group (Temporary Provisions) Regulations under the Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation Act 1977 establish the framework for the composition and operation of the Live-stock Producers Consultative Group, which consists of 22 members appointed by the Minister from various industry associations. These associations include the Australian Wool and Meat Producers Federation, the Australian Wool growers’ and Graziers’ Council, the Australian National Cattlemen’s Council, and the Cattlemen’s Union of Australia, each nominating a specified number of members. Members can resign or cease to be members under certain conditions, such as appointment to the Corporation, and the Minister may appoint a Chairman from among the members. The Group holds meetings at times determined by itself or the Chairman, with a quorum consisting of 15 members and decisions made by a majority vote. The Minister may also invite individuals to attend meetings for advice or information. The Regulations do not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions but govern the operational procedures and membership criteria for the Group within the national jurisdiction of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Live-stock Producers Consultative Group (Temporary Provisions) Regulations provide the framework for establishing and operating the Live-stock Producers Consultative Group under the Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation Act 1977. Section 3 sets out the number of members, which is 22, and specifies how members are appointed by the Minister based on nominations from various associations. Section 4 outlines the appointment and resignation process for the Chairman of the Group, who may be a member of the Group or someone appointed by the Minister. Meetings of the Group, as detailed in Section 5, must be held at times determined by the Group itself, with the Chairman providing written notice at least seven days in advance to all members. A quorum is set at 15 members, and decisions are made by a majority vote with the presiding member having a casting vote in case of a tie. The Regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, the Minister is responsible for appointing members and the Chairman of the Group based on nominations from specified associations (Section 3). Members and the Chairman must adhere to their respective appointment and resignation procedures (Sections 3(6) and 4(2)). The Chairman, in particular, must ensure that meetings are adequately convened and managed, as per Section 5. Furthermore, the Group must ensure that its operations are not invalidated by vacancies in membership, as stated in Section 5(5). Failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations can lead to various consequences. While the Regulations themselves do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, any non-compliance with the requirements set forth in the Act or these Regulations could potentially result in administrative or legal action under the broader legislative framework of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation Act 1977. This might include enforcement actions by the Minister or other authorities to ensure adherence to the statutory requirements governing the operations of the Group.