Rabbit Skins Export Charges Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Rabbit Skins Export Charges Act 1940-1942, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, was introduced to establish a charge on the export of rabbit skins from Australia, with the revenue collected to be appropriated for specific purposes during World War II. The Act authorised the imposition of a levy on rabbit skins exported from the Commonwealth to support war efforts. The policy objective was to generate additional revenue through the export of rabbit skins, a significant agricultural product at the time. The enacting body was the Federal Executive Council, acting on the advice of the Minister of State for Commerce. These regulations, enacted through Statutory Rules 1942, No. 432, amended the rate of charge on rabbit skins exported from the Commonwealth, reducing it from one shilling and sixpence to ninepence per pound, effective from 7 October 1942.

Scope and Application

The Rabbit Skins Export Charges Regulations, established under the Rabbit Skins Export Charges Act 1940-1942, pertain to all rabbit skins exported from the Commonwealth of Australia, imposing a charge on such exports. The charge is levied and paid by the exporters and applies to all rabbit skins leaving Australian territory, with the rate set by the Australian Rabbit Skins Board and reported to the Minister, subject to a maximum of Two shillings and sixpence for each pound of rabbit skins exported. These regulations thus apply to individuals or entities exporting rabbit skins from Australia. The geographic reach of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing all states and territories within the nation. While the primary focus is on the export of rabbit skins, the Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions, implying that all exports are subject to the charge unless otherwise provided by specific subordinate instruments. The applicability and enforcement of these regulations are reinforced through subsequent amendments and notifications, ensuring they remain updated in line with economic and administrative requirements.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Rabbit Skins Export Charges Regulations 1942 pertain primarily to the amendment of the rate at which export charges are levied on rabbit skins exported from Australia. According to Regulation 1, the rate of charge for rabbit skins exported on and after the seventh day of October, 1942, is reduced from One shilling and sixpence to ninepence per pound of rabbit skins. Regulation 2 sets the date for the commencement of these Regulations, which is the same day they were made, the seventh day of October, 1942. The obligations imposed by these Regulations are primarily directed towards exporters of rabbit skins. Exporters are required to pay the amended charge of ninepence per pound for all rabbit skins exported from the Commonwealth after the specified commencement date. The Australian Rabbit Skins Board, which reports to the Minister, has prescribed this charge rate following their report and in accordance with the Act. The Board's role is integral to ensuring that the charge is levied correctly and that the prescribed rate is adhered to. Failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations may result in civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the Regulations themselves, under the Rabbit Skins Export Charges Act 1940-1942, penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other legal repercussions. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would be determined by the relevant courts and authorities, but they underscore the importance of adhering to the prescribed rates and obligations outlined in the legislation.