Meat Research Amendment Act 1979

Overview

The Meat Research Amendment Act 1979 (No. 77 of 1979) was enacted to amend the Meat Research Act 1960, aiming to address issues within the existing legislative framework related to meat research funding and governance. This Act was passed by the Queen, with the authority of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The principal objective of the amendment was to refine the allocation of funds into the Research Account and to adjust the composition and scope of the Australian Meat Research Committee to better align with contemporary research needs and governance standards. This legislative update ensures that the Meat Research Act 1960 remains effective and relevant in supporting the meat industry's research and development requirements.

Scope and Application

The Meat Research Amendment Act 1979 amends the Meat Research Act 1960, enhancing the legislative framework for meat research within Australia. This Act applies to entities involved in the meat industry, including producers, processors, and exporters, as well as the Australian Meat Research Committee, which is tasked with overseeing and directing meat research activities. It encompasses a national scope, thereby applying across the entire Commonwealth of Australia. While the Act modifies the Principal Act by refining the distribution of funds into the Research Account and altering the composition and functions of the Committee, it does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. However, the application and interpretation of these provisions are likely to be further detailed in subordinate instruments and regulations that extend or restrict the application of the Act in practice. The amendments primarily focus on ensuring that meat research is adequately funded and that the oversight body is appropriately structured to meet the evolving needs of the meat industry.

Key Provisions

The Meat Research Amendment Act 1979 amends the Meat Research Act 1960 to update and refine the administration and funding of meat research activities. Under section 3 of the Amendment Act, the changes to section 5 of the Principal Act clarify the sources from which moneys are to be paid into the Research Account. Specifically, it includes additional paragraphs, such as (b) of sub-section (1) of sections 6d, 6e, and 6f, which now form part of the financial provisions for the Research Account. This ensures that the funding mechanisms are more comprehensively defined and includes relevant financial streams. The Amendment Act imposes specific obligations on the Australian Meat Research Committee, as outlined in section 4, which amends section 8 of the Principal Act. The Committee is now responsible for ensuring that funds are allocated according to the newly defined provisions, which include paragraphs (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) of sections 6c, 6d, and 6f. This amendment expands the scope of responsibilities for the Committee in managing and overseeing the distribution of research funds. Breaches of the provisions within this Act could potentially lead to civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the Act itself, violations of the Meat Research Act 1960, as amended, could result in fines or other legal actions as prescribed by the relevant state or territory legislation. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the applicable laws at the time of the offence. It is crucial for entities governed by this Act to adhere strictly to its provisions to avoid any potential legal ramifications.