Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1968

Overview

The Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1968, enacted on 2 December 1968, serves as an amendment to the Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1962–1967, addressing a specific gap in the existing legislation. This Act was passed by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia with the intent to refine the bounty provisions for processed milk products. The policy objective, as highlighted in the Act, is to ensure that any amendments to the bounty scheme are made with due consideration of recommendations from the Australian Dairy Produce Board, thereby providing a more regulated and informed approach to the bounty system. This Act aims to update and improve the existing legislative framework to better meet the needs of the dairy industry and consumers.

Scope and Application

The Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1968 applies to the amendment of section 4 of the Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1962–1967, specifically relating to the bounty paid for processed milk products. This Act is applicable to entities involved in the production and processing of milk products in Australia, including dairy farmers, processors, and manufacturers. Its jurisdiction is federal, operating under the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act allows for the specification of bounty through regulations, which can include exemptions for certain processed milk products as determined by the Governor-General, based on recommendations from the Australian Dairy Produce Board. The Act's provisions extend its application through subordinate instruments, specifically regulations that may be made by the Governor-General, thereby allowing for flexibility in the administration and application of the bounty scheme.

Key Provisions

The Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1968 (C1968A00113) amends the Processed Milk Products Bounty Act 1962–1967, specifically addressing the bounty provisions for processed milk products. The Act was assented to on 2 December 1968 and came into operation on the same day. The primary operative sections are Sections 3(3a) and 3(3b). Section 3(3a) allows the regulations to specify that the bounty may not apply to certain processed milk products. This means that the government can decide not to provide financial support or incentives for specific types of processed milk products, based on the regulations. Section 3(3b) requires the Governor-General to consider any recommendations from the Australian Dairy Produce Board before making regulations that affect the application of the bounty, ensuring that the decision-making process is informed by expert advice. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, it places a responsibility on the Governor-General to carefully consider recommendations from the Australian Dairy Produce Board before enacting regulations that could affect the bounty on processed milk products. This ensures that any decisions regarding the bounty are made with expert input and consideration of the industry's needs. Furthermore, it allows the government to create specific regulations that tailor the application of the bounty to the particular needs and circumstances of the dairy industry, providing flexibility in managing the bounty provisions. The Act also outlines potential consequences for non-compliance with its provisions. Although specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach are not detailed within the Act itself, it is likely that any breaches of the regulations made under this Act would be subject to the general laws and penalties applicable to statutory instruments in Australia. Typically, such breaches could result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. The maximum penalties would be determined by the specific regulations made under this Act and the relevant laws governing statutory compliance.