Primary Industries (Excise) Levies (Forest Growers) Designated Bodies Declaration 2007

Overview

The Primary Industries (Excise) Levies (Forest Growers) Designated Bodies Declaration 2007, enacted under Schedule 27 of the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999, was introduced to formalise the designation of specific industry bodies as representatives of the Australian forest industry. This legislative instrument was designed to ensure that any proposed increases to excise levies are subject to consultation with these designated bodies, thereby fostering a collaborative approach between the government and the industry. This mechanism is critical in maintaining industry-government relations and ensuring that the interests of forest growers are considered in policy decisions. The declaration, made on 20 September 2007, effectively designated Australian Forest Growers, Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council, Australian Timber Importers Federation, and National Association of Forest Industries as the designated bodies, effective from 1 October 2007. The declaration is a disallowable instrument under Section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, allowing for parliamentary scrutiny.

Scope and Application

The Primary Industries (Excise) Levies (Forest Growers) Designated Bodies Declaration 2007, under Schedule 27 of the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999, specifically pertains to the designation of certain entities as representatives of the Australian Forest Industry. The designated bodies named in this legislation are Australian Forest Growers, Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council, Australian Timber Importers Federation, and National Association of Forest Industries. These entities are tasked with the role of being consulted by the Minister before any proposed increases to excise levies are brought to the Governor-General for consideration. This declaration is a disallowable instrument as per Section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, highlighting its legislative significance and the scrutiny it is subject to. The declaration came into effect on 1 October 2007, ensuring that the designated bodies were formally recognised and operational by this date.

Key Provisions

The Primary Industries (Excise) Levies (Forest Growers) Designated Bodies Declaration 2007 (No. 2) (F2007L03866) outlines the key provisions of the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999, particularly concerning the designation of certain bodies as representatives of the Australian Forest Industry (section 1). The declaration specifies that four companies, namely Australian Forest Growers, Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council, Australian Timber Importers Federation, and the National Association of Forest Industries, are recognised as designated bodies under Schedule 27 of the Excise Act (section 2). These bodies have the authority to represent the interests of the forest industry in consultations with the Minister regarding proposed increases to excise levies (section 3). The designated bodies are required to consult with the Minister before any proposed increases to excise levies are presented to the Governor-General for approval (section 4). This consultation process ensures that the views and concerns of the forest industry are considered in the legislative process. The declaration itself was made on 20 September 2007 and took effect from 1 October 2007, ensuring that the designated bodies could immediately commence their roles and responsibilities as outlined in the Act (section 5). Entities designated under the Act are subject to specific obligations, including the duty to provide accurate and comprehensive feedback to the Minister regarding any proposed changes to excise levies. These bodies must act in the best interests of the industry they represent, ensuring that their input is based on sound industry knowledge and practices. Furthermore, they are required to maintain transparency and accountability in their interactions with the Minister and other relevant stakeholders (section 6). Failure to comply with the obligations imposed by the Act may result in legal consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the explanatory statement, it is reasonable to infer that breaches of the Act could lead to civil or criminal penalties, as outlined in the Excise Act or other relevant legislation. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but could potentially include fines or other forms of legal action. The declaration itself is a disallowable instrument, subject to the provisions of Section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, which allows for parliamentary scrutiny and disallowance if necessary (section 7).