Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (National Residue Survey - Game Animals) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (National Residue Survey-Game Animals) Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 358, issued under the authority of the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, serve to amend the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (National Residue Survey-Game Animals) Regulations. This amendment is made pursuant to Section 8 of the National Residue Survey (Game Animals) Levy Act 1992. The Act was enacted to address the need for a structured framework to collect levies for the National Residue Survey of game animals, ensuring that the survey is conducted efficiently and effectively. The primary objective of the amendment is to adjust the operative levy rate for kangaroos, reducing it from five cents per head to four cents per head, effective from 1 January 1998. This change aligns with industry wishes and supports the National Residue Survey under the principle of full cost recovery.

Scope and Application

The Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (National Residue Survey-Game Animals) Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 358 applies to the collection of levies on game animals, specifically kangaroos, as regulated under the National Residue Survey (Game Animals) Levy Act 1992. This Act applies to entities involved in the primary industries sector, particularly those who engage in the hunting and processing of game animals within Australia. The regulations adjust the levy rate, reducing it from five cents to four cents per head of kangaroo, effective from 1 January 1998. This amendment is in line with the industry's commitment to the National Residue Survey under the principle of full cost recovery. The regulations cover the entire Commonwealth of Australia and are made under the authority of the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text, and the reduction in levy rate is the primary change introduced by this amendment.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (National Residue Survey-Game Animals) Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 358 are those that directly alter the levy rates for kangaroos. Specifically, Regulation 9 has been amended to reflect a new levy rate. Under section 8 of the National Residue Survey (Game Animals) Levy Act 1992, the Governor-General has the authority to make these regulations, which are necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. This amendment reduces the levy rate from five cents per head to four cents per head, effective from 1 January 1998. The regulations impose obligations on parties involved in the levy collection process, primarily those responsible for collecting the National Residue Survey (Game Animals) levy. These parties must ensure compliance with the new levy rate specified in Regulation 9, which has been adjusted to four cents per head for kangaroos. This requirement is designed to align with the industry's commitment to the National Residue Survey under a full cost recovery model. By reducing the levy rate, the Act seeks to achieve a balance that reflects industry input and the ongoing need for survey funding. The regulations also outline the consequences for non-compliance. Any breaches of the amended regulations could result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For instance, failure to adhere to the new levy rate could lead to fines or other legal repercussions. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed within the explanatory statement, the potential for civil or criminal consequences underscores the importance of compliance with the amended levy rates. In summary, the regulations amend the levy rate for kangaroos under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection (National Residue Survey-Game Animals) Regulations, reducing it from five cents per head to four cents per head effective from 1 January 1998. These changes are made to align with industry commitments and ensure the continued funding of the National Residue Survey. Parties involved in the collection of these levies must comply with the new rates, and failure to do so could result in civil or criminal penalties.