Raw Cotton Bounty Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Raw Cotton Bounty Regulations 1967 were made under the authority of the Raw Cotton Bounty Act 1963-1966, by the Governor-General of Australia, with advice from the Federal Executive Council. This legislative instrument addresses the need to revise the bounty payment criteria for raw cotton, ensuring that the bounty system aligns with the changing market conditions and the needs of the cotton processing industry. The policy objective of these regulations is to provide a clear framework for bounty payments, thereby supporting the industry and maintaining the quality standards of cotton produced and processed in Australia. The regulations amend specific aspects of the bounty application process and the grading criteria for raw cotton, aiming to facilitate smoother operations for cotton processors while maintaining the integrity of the bounty system.

Scope and Application

The Raw Cotton Bounty Regulations 1967, made under the Raw Cotton Bounty Act 1963-1966, apply to processors of raw cotton within Australia, specifically those engaged in selling raw cotton for use in the country. These regulations delineate the specific periods and grades of raw cotton eligible for bounty, modifying the original regulations to narrow the scope of bounty eligibility to certain periods and grades of cotton. The amended regulations specify that bounty applications must relate to raw cotton sold during a three-month period beginning on the first day of March, June, September, or December, or a twelve-month period starting on the first day of March. Additionally, the bounty eligibility extends to specific grades of raw cotton, defined by staple length and colour, that are sold for use in Australia on or after the first day of March 1967. The regulations also provide a grace period for processors who sold certain specified grades of cotton before the regulations' commencement to still apply for bounty within three months after the regulations' commencement. These amendments are intended to refine and clarify the conditions under which raw cotton processors can receive a bounty in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Raw Cotton Bounty Act 1963-1966, published in 1967, introduce amendments to the Raw Cotton Bounty Regulations, primarily through the amendment of Regulation 5 and Regulation 7. Regulation 5 now specifies that applications for bounty must relate to raw cotton sold during a period of three months that starts on the first day of March, June, September, or December, or during a period of twelve months that starts on the first day of March (Regulation 1(a)). Regulation 7 updates the table detailing the staple lengths and grades of raw cotton eligible for bounty. These changes affect raw cotton sold for use in Australia on or after the first day of March, 1967 (Regulation 2(2)). The Regulations impose obligations on cotton processors to ensure that their applications for bounty comply with the new stipulations regarding the periods and grades of cotton eligible for bounty. For example, processors must now only apply for bounty relating to raw cotton sold within the specified three-month or twelve-month periods (Regulation 1(a)). Additionally, the new table in Regulation 7 must be used as the basis for determining the eligibility of different grades of raw cotton for bounty (Regulation 2(1)). For processors who sold eligible grades of raw cotton before the commencement of these Regulations, there is a specific provision allowing them to lodge applications within three months after the Regulations come into effect (Regulation 2(3)). However, any failure to comply with these provisions could lead to ineligibility for the bounty, resulting in financial loss for the processor. While the Regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches of bounty regulations could potentially lead to investigations and enforcement actions under the Raw Cotton Bounty Act 1963-1966, which may include fines or other civil consequences.