Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (Citrus) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (Citrus) Regulations (Amendment) 1994 No. 337 were enacted to modify the funding arrangements for the citrus industry's participation in the Australian Horticultural Corporation (AHC), as requested by the Australian Citrus Growers' Federation. This regulation was made under the authority of the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy and is an amendment to the existing regulations under the Horticultural Levy Act 1987, the Horticultural Export Charge Act 1987, and the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act 1991. The primary objective of these amendments is to adjust the citrus industry's funding contributions to better reflect the revised priorities and focuses of the industry. Specifically, the regulations exempt all citrus, excluding oranges, from the levy or export charge and reduce the levy and export charge for oranges. These amendments aim to ensure that the funding mechanisms remain efficient and aligned with the industry's current needs.

Scope and Application

The Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (Citrus) Regulations (Amendment) 1994 No. 337 applies to the citrus industry in Australia, specifically altering the funding arrangements for the citrus industry's participation in the Australian Horticultural Corporation (AHC). These regulations impact growers of citrus fruits, such as oranges and other citrus varieties, and the entities responsible for collecting the levies and export charges. The amendment affects all citrus production within Australia, irrespective of the state or territory where the production occurs, thus having a national jurisdictional reach. Notably, the amendment exempts all citrus, except oranges, from being liable to a levy or export charge for the AHC, while reducing the levy and export charge for oranges from $1.75 per tonne to $0.75 per tonne. These regulations maintain the current funding arrangements for the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation (HRDC), with changes only affecting the levies and charges allocated to the AHC. Additionally, the regulations introduce minor amendments to improve the flow of information from major retailers and require companies to be identified by their Australian Company Number.

Key Provisions

The Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (Citrus) Regulations (Amendment) 1994 No. 337 (the Amendment) makes significant changes to the funding mechanisms for the citrus industry's involvement in the Australian Horticultural Corporation (AHC). Under sections 1, 4, and 30 of the Horticultural Levy Act 1987, the Horticultural Export Charge Act 1987, and the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act 1991, the Governor General has the authority to issue regulations for these Acts. These regulations were amended to respond to a request from the Australian Citrus Growers' Federation and a recommendation from the AHC, aiming to adjust the citrus industry's funding formula to better reflect current industry priorities. The Amendment modifies the levy and export charge arrangements for the citrus industry. It maintains the existing funding structure for the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation (HRDC), which oversees research and development activities across various horticultural industries. However, it alters the funding for the AHC by exempting all citrus fruits, except oranges, from the levy or export charge. This change is intended to better align the funding with the industry's revised priorities. For oranges, the Amendment reduces the levy and export charge from $1.75 per tonne (3.5 cents per box) to $0.75 per tonne (1.5 cents per box). Additionally, the Amendment includes minor adjustments to the collection of levies and export charges, aimed at enhancing the flow of information from supermarkets and large chain stores. It mandates that companies be identified by their Australian Company Number to improve the accuracy and efficiency of these collections. These changes are designed to streamline the administrative processes while ensuring that the revised funding arrangements are effectively implemented.