Meat Chicken Levy Amendment Act 1991

Overview

The Meat Chicken Levy Amendment Act 1991 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to modify the existing Meat Chicken Levy Act 1969. The principal objective of this amendment was to adjust the rate of the levy imposed on meat chicken, as outlined in Section 7 of the Principal Act, increasing it from 0.005 cent to 0.05 cent. This Act was assented to on 27 March 1991 and commenced on 1 July 1991. The amendment aims to better reflect the economic realities and operational costs within the meat chicken industry, ensuring adequate funding for the specified purposes as intended by the original Act.

Scope and Application

The Meat Chicken Levy Amendment Act 1991 serves as an amendment to the Meat Chicken Levy Act 1969, focusing on adjusting the rate of the levy imposed on meat chickens. This Act applies to all entities involved in the production, processing, or distribution of meat chickens within the Commonwealth of Australia. It does not distinguish between different sizes of businesses or entities but rather applies uniformly to all who fall under its purview. The Act’s geographic reach is national, as it is a Commonwealth Act, meaning it applies across all states and territories of Australia. There are no explicit exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds stated within the Act itself, but its application may be further defined or restricted through subordinate instruments or regulations that may be promulgated under the authority of the Principal Act. The amendment specifically changes the rate of the levy from 0.005 cent to 0.05 cent per gram of meat chicken, which is intended to impact all entities involved in the meat chicken industry uniformly across the nation.

Key Provisions

The Meat Chicken Levy Amendment Act 1991 (Act) makes significant changes to the existing Meat Chicken Levy Act 1969 (Principal Act) primarily by altering the rate of the meat chicken levy. The primary amendment is found in section 3, which modifies section 7(1)(b) of the Principal Act by increasing the levy rate from 0.005 cent to 0.05 cent per kilogram of meat chicken. This change is intended to adjust the financial contribution required from entities involved in the production and distribution of meat chicken. The Act imposes obligations on those entities governed by it, specifically those involved in the meat chicken industry. These entities are required to ensure that the revised levy rate is correctly applied and remitted to the relevant authorities. The increased levy rate, as stipulated in section 3, is a direct financial obligation that must be adhered to in compliance with the Act. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can result in various consequences. Under section 11 of the Principal Act, penalties can be imposed for non-compliance, including fines. The exact penalties are not specified within the Act itself but are detailed in the Principal Act, where maximum fines can be substantial. These financial penalties are intended to enforce compliance and ensure the proper collection of the meat chicken levy. Additionally, the Act may have implications for those involved in the meat chicken industry, including producers, processors, and distributors. These parties must ensure they are aware of and comply with the updated levy requirements to avoid any legal or financial repercussions. The amendment serves to update the financial framework within which these entities operate, necessitating adjustments in their accounting and reporting practices to reflect the new levy rate.