Sugar Research and Development Services (Gross Value of Sugar Cane for 2023-24) Determination 2024

Overview

The Sugar Research and Development Services (Gross Value of Sugar Cane for 2023-24) Determination 2024 was enacted to specify the gross value of sugar cane produced in Australia for the financial year starting on 1 July 2023 and ending on 30 June 2024. This determination was issued under subsection 7(4) of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 by Joanna Stanion, acting as a delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The primary objective of this legislation is to establish the financial baseline necessary for the allocation of funds for sugar research and development services. The determination of the gross value of sugar cane is essential for ensuring that the funding distribution aligns with the production levels and economic contributions of the sugar industry.

Scope and Application

The Sugar Research and Development Services (Gross Value of Sugar Cane for 2023-24) Determination 2024 sets the gross value of sugar cane produced in Australia for the 2023-24 financial year, and applies to all relevant entities involved in the sugar industry across the nation. This determination is made under the authority of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, by Joanna Stanion, acting as a delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The determination specifies that the gross value of sugar cane for the designated financial year is $1,874,278,667. This figure is crucial for determining the funding allocation for sugar research and development services. The application of this determination extends nationally, affecting sugar producers, processors, and any other entities engaged in the sugar industry within Australia. While the primary focus of the determination is on the financial valuation of sugar cane, it does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, though it operates within the broader framework of the Act. The act may extend its application through subordinate instruments, thereby further defining the scope and parameters of the sugar research and development funding.

Key Provisions

The key operative section of this Determination is section 2, which sets the gross value of sugar cane produced in Australia for the 2023-24 financial year. Specifically, section 2(1) stipulates that the gross value is $1,874,278,667. This figure is essential for calculating contributions to the Sugar Research and Development Fund, as outlined in section 7(4) of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013. The determination ensures that the correct amount is used to fund research and development services for the sugar industry. The Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 imposes specific obligations on the parties governed by the Act. Primarily, it requires sugar growers and processors to contribute to the Sugar Research and Development Fund based on the gross value of their sugar cane production. This is articulated in section 7 of the Act, which mandates that contributions are calculated as a percentage of the gross value of sugar cane. The determination of the gross value, as provided in section 2(1) of this Determination, is integral to the calculation of these contributions. Accurate reporting and timely payment of these contributions are necessary to ensure the continued funding of vital research and development activities in the sugar industry. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 can result in various penalties and consequences. Under section 14 of the Act, penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other civil penalties. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in this Determination, it is clear that non-compliance can lead to financial repercussions. Additionally, persistent failure to meet obligations may result in legal action being taken to enforce compliance. These measures are designed to ensure that the sugar industry continues to benefit from necessary research and development efforts, funded appropriately by industry participants. The consequences of breaching the provisions of the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013 are detailed in section 14, which outlines the penalties for non-compliance. Although the exact penalties are not specified in this Determination, the Act provides a framework for imposing fines and other civil penalties. These penalties are intended to ensure that industry participants adhere to their obligations and contribute appropriately to the Sugar Research and Development Fund. Non-compliance can lead to significant financial burdens, and in severe cases, legal action may be pursued to compel adherence to the Act’s requirements. This enforcement mechanism is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the fund and supporting ongoing research and development activities within the sugar industry.