Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 1)

Overview

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 1) was enacted by the Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Nicholas Hugh Minchin, under the authority of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Act 1999. This legislative instrument was introduced to amend the existing scheme, addressing specific gaps and enhancing the operational efficiency of the program. The changes include modifying the eligibility criteria for program participation by excluding Urban Centres of capital cities, adjusting the registration deadlines for entities, and altering the dates for compliance with certain provisions. The amendments aim to streamline the registration process and ensure that entities meet the necessary deadlines for participation in the program. This amendment was made to provide clarity and flexibility in the program's administration, allowing for a more inclusive and timely application process. The policy objective is to support the textile, clothing, and footwear industries by providing strategic investment opportunities, while ensuring that the program remains effective and accessible to eligible entities.

Scope and Application

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 1) amends the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme 1999, impacting entities involved in the textile, clothing, and footwear industries. This amendment applies to entities across Australia but excludes Urban Centres of capital cities, specifically Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra-Queanbeyan (Canberra Part), Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. It modifies the registration deadlines for entities seeking to comply with the scheme, extending the grace period for applying for registration from before 1 April to before 1 June 2000 for the 2000/2001 program year, and from before 1 April to before 1 July for subsequent years. Additionally, the amendment reclassifies early-stage processing activities under a new category and removes specific exclusions related to cushions and pillows from a particular section of the scheme. This legislative instrument operates within the framework set by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Act 1999, and its amendments are detailed in Schedule 1.

Key Provisions

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 1) introduces several amendments to the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme 1999, primarily aimed at clarifying and modifying the eligibility criteria and application deadlines. Under section 8, the amendment specifies that the program is now applicable to all areas in Australia except Urban Centres of capital cities, which are defined as Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra-Queanbeyan (Canberra Part), Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney (Schedule 1, amendment 1). Additionally, the amendment extends the deadline for entities to apply for registration for the pre-program year and the 2000/2001 program year from 1 April 2000 to 1 June 2000, and for other program years from 1 April to 1 July (Schedule 1, amendments 3 and 4). Entities governed by this Act now have specific obligations and requirements to comply with. Firstly, they must ensure their applications for registration are submitted by the revised deadlines as specified in the amendments. Secondly, they need to be aware of the geographical restrictions, ensuring that their operations are not based in any of the defined Urban Centres of capital cities. The amendment also necessitates that entities adjust their planning and administrative processes to meet the new application deadlines, which may involve revising internal timelines and communication strategies. The Act delineates potential consequences for non-compliance with its provisions. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, entities that fail to meet the application deadlines risk losing eligibility for the program. In particular, entities that miss the extended deadlines for the 2000/2001 program year and other program years may be deemed to have not complied with the requirements, thereby forfeiting any benefits or support associated with the scheme. The Act, however, provides a grace period, ensuring that entities have an opportunity to rectify their non-compliance if they apply before 1 July of the relevant year.