Wine Export Bounty Act 1931

Overview

The Wine Export Bounty Act 1931 was enacted to amend the Wine Export Bounty Act 1930, addressing issues related to the administration and payment of bounties for wine exports. The Act was assented to on 25th March, 1931, by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary objective of this legislation was to adjust the bounty structure for wine exports, specifically incorporating a provision for additional payments to account for duty of excise on concentrated grape must used in wine manufacturing. This amendment aimed to support the wine industry during economic challenges by ensuring that exporters received appropriate compensation for excise duties imposed on essential inputs.

Scope and Application

The Wine Export Bounty Act 1931 applies to entities involved in the export of wine from Australia, specifically focusing on the establishment and management of a trust account from which export bounties are paid. This Act amends the Wine Export Bounty Act 1930, referred to as the Principal Act, and together they may be cited as the Wine Export Bounty Act 1930-1931. The Act is geographically and jurisdictionally applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the financial aspects of wine exports. It explicitly modifies the establishment of a trust account and the payment of bounty therefrom, incorporating adjustments to the bounty calculations to include specific excise duties on concentrated grape must used in wine production from a particular date onwards. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within its text, and its application can be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as required.

Key Provisions

The Wine Export Bounty Act 1931 primarily amends the Wine Export Bounty Act 1930. It introduces changes to the establishment of a Trust Account and the payment of bounties from this account (Section 2). Specifically, Section 4(3) of the Principal Act is amended to include a new requirement that, in addition to existing provisions, a sum equal to five-elevenths of the duty of excise paid on concentrated grape must, effective from 4 December 1930, must be included in the Trust Account. This sum is intended to be part of the bounty paid to eligible exporters. The Act imposes several obligations on the entities it governs. Primarily, it mandates the establishment of a Trust Account that will include not only the previously stipulated amounts but also the additional sum related to the duty of excise on concentrated grape must. The Treasurer, or another designated officer, is responsible for managing this account and ensuring the proper disbursement of bounties to eligible wine exporters. The Act also requires that any changes to the Trust Account, including additional contributions or disbursements, must be in accordance with the provisions outlined in the amended Act. Violations of the provisions set out in the Wine Export Bounty Act 1931 may lead to various consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the provided excerpt, breaches of legislative requirements generally carry civil or criminal penalties depending on the nature and severity of the offence. For instance, failure to properly manage the Trust Account or misappropriate funds could result in legal action against the responsible parties. Penalties might include fines, restitution, or other corrective measures to ensure compliance with the Act’s requirements.