Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Amendment Act 1981

Overview

The Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Amendment Act 1981 is an Act of the Parliament of Australia that amends the existing Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Act 1966. Enacted on 2 December 1981, this amendment addresses a specific legislative gap by adjusting the expiry date of a subsidy scheme for nitrogenous fertilizers. The principal objective of this Act is to extend the duration of the subsidy, which originally was set to expire on 31 December 1981, to 30 June 1982. This extension was likely intended to provide additional support to farmers and agricultural sectors during a critical period, ensuring continuity in the availability of subsidized nitrogenous fertilizers which are essential for crop production.

Scope and Application

The Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Amendment Act 1981 amends the Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Act 1966, which pertains to the provision of subsidies on nitrogenous fertilisers, a critical input for the agricultural sector. This Act applies to entities involved in the production, distribution, and sale of nitrogenous fertilisers within the Commonwealth of Australia. By extending the eligibility period for the subsidy, the Act ensures continued financial support for this essential industry. The geographic reach of the Act is national, affecting all entities operating within Australia. The Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions; however, it is likely that the Principal Act's provisions would apply, which might exclude certain types of fertilisers or entities not directly involved in the nitrogenous fertiliser market. Any further application and interpretation of the Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which are not detailed within the primary text of this amendment.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Amendment Act 1981 (Act No. 174 of 1981) involve the amendment of section 3 of the Nitrogenous Fertilizers Subsidy Act 1966 (Principal Act) to adjust the date by which certain provisions apply. Specifically, subsection (2) of section 3 of the Principal Act is amended by omitting the date "31 December 1981" and substituting "30 June 1982" (section 3). This means that the provisions previously set to expire on 31 December 1981 are now extended to 30 June 1982. This Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the entities governed by the Principal Act. The primary obligation is to ensure that the adjustments to the expiry date of the provisions are implemented correctly. This includes the need for all relevant stakeholders to be aware of the extended date and to adjust their operations accordingly to remain compliant with the amended legislation. In terms of the consequences for breach, the Act itself does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, it is important to note that the Principal Act may contain provisions that address such matters. Typically, failure to comply with legislative requirements in the context of subsidies and financial support can lead to a range of civil and criminal penalties, including fines and other sanctions. The exact penalties would be determined by the relevant sections of the Principal Act and other applicable legislation. Given the nature of the amendments, it is crucial for entities affected by the Principal Act to review the full text of the Principal Act and any related legislation to understand the full scope of their obligations and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to the extended date of 30 June 1982 will be essential to avoid any potential penalties or legal repercussions.