Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2)

Overview

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2), enacted on 22 June 2000 by the Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, represents an amendment to the existing Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme 1999. This legislative instrument was introduced to refine and clarify the scope of eligible activities under the program, ensuring that the strategic investment focuses on specific sectors of the textile, clothing, and footwear industries. By amending the original scheme, the Act aims to exclude certain activities related to the manufacture and design of hides or leather intended for use in motor vehicles, thereby realigning the program's focus and resources towards its primary objectives. The enactment of this amendment underscores the policy objective of the Australian government to streamline and target investments in industries that are critical to economic growth and employment within the textile, clothing, and footwear sectors. By excluding certain activities, the legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the strategic investment program, ensuring that funds are directed towards fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability in key areas of these industries. This amendment reflects a commitment to adaptive governance, enabling the program to respond to evolving market demands and technological advancements.

Scope and Application

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2) amends the existing Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme 1999, which is designed to support the textile, clothing, and footwear industries. This amendment applies to entities involved in these industries that are seeking financial assistance or investment under the Scheme. The amendment specifies certain exclusions, notably that activities related to the manufacture or design of hides or leather intended for use in motor vehicles, as well as ancillary activities connected to these, are not eligible for the Scheme's benefits. The amendment extends to the Commonwealth level, aligning with the broader objectives of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Act 1999. The instrument, effective from 1 July 2000, does not introduce new geographic or jurisdictional boundaries but refines the eligibility criteria within the existing legislative framework. The application of this amendment can be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments, providing flexibility in its implementation and adaptation to changing industry needs.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Amendment 2000 (No. 2) involve the insertion and omission of specific provisions in the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme 1999. Firstly, subsection 5(2) is amended to include a new subsection (2A) that explicitly excludes certain activities related to the manufacture and design of hides or leather for motor vehicles from being considered eligible TCF activities (section 3). Secondly, subsection 5(3) undergoes a significant change, where the original subsection (1) is omitted and replaced with new content (section 3). These amendments aim to refine the eligibility criteria for activities within the scheme. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties and entities it governs are primarily centred around ensuring compliance with the updated eligibility criteria for TCF activities. Any individual or entity seeking to participate in the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program must now adhere to the exclusion of activities related to motor vehicle hides or leather. This means they must ensure that their operations do not involve the manufacture or design of hides or leather intended for use in motor vehicles if they wish to qualify for the benefits of the scheme. Additionally, any ancillary activities related to these excluded activities must also be avoided to maintain eligibility. Breaches of the provisions set out in this legislation could lead to significant consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that non-compliance with the amended eligibility criteria could result in denial of access to the benefits of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program. In more severe cases, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the breach, there might be civil or criminal penalties imposed. The exact nature of these penalties would depend on the broader legislative framework governing such activities and would likely involve fines or other sanctions designed to enforce compliance with the scheme's requirements.