Wine Grapes Charges
No. 2 of 1969
An Act to amend section 3 of the Wine Grapes Charges Act 1929–1966.
[Assented to 8 April 1969]
BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—
Short title and citation.
1.—(1.) This Act may be cited as the Wine Grapes Charges Act 1969.
(2.) The Wine Grapes Charges Act 1929–1966 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.
(3.) The Principal Act, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Wine Grapes Charges Act 1929–1969.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by Proclamation.
Charge on grapes used for wine making.
3. Section 3 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by omitting from paragraph (a) of sub-section (2.) the words “One dollar fifty cents” and inserting in their stead the words “Two dollars fifty cents”;
(b) by omitting from paragraph (b) of sub-section (2.) the words “Four dollars fifty cents” and inserting in their stead the words “Seven dollars fifty cents”; and
(c) by omitting sub-section (3.) and inserting in its stead the following sub-section:—
“(3.) All moneys payable under this section in respect of grapes delivered to a winery or distillery during a period of twelve months ending on the thirtieth day of June in any year shall be paid to a prescribed authority—
(a) as to one-half of those moneys—not later than the next following thirtieth day of September; and
(b) as to the remainder—not later than the next following thirty-first day of March.”.
Application.
4. The amendments of sub-section (2.) of section 3 of the Principal Act made by this Act do not apply in relation to grapes delivered to a winery or distillery before the commencement of this Act.
Overview
The Wine Grapes Charges Act 1969 was enacted to amend the Wine Grapes Charges Act 1929–1966, specifically targeting the charges levied on grapes used in wine production. This legislation was introduced to address the need for updated financial contributions reflecting the changing economic conditions and industry standards. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the policy objective of this Act was to adjust the financial burden on grape growers by modifying the charges for grapes delivered to wineries or distilleries, while also specifying the payment timelines for these charges.
The Act modifies the rates of the charges from One dollar fifty cents to Two dollars fifty cents and from Four dollars fifty cents to Seven dollars fifty cents per ton of grapes. Furthermore, it establishes a clear timeline for the payment of these charges, requiring half of the total amount to be paid by the thirtieth of September following the year of grape delivery, and the remaining amount by the thirty-first of March the next year. Notably, these amendments do not apply to grapes delivered prior to the Act's commencement, maintaining the existing charge rates for those deliveries.
Scope and Application
The Wine Grapes Charges Act 1969 amends the Wine Grapes Charges Act 1929–1966, primarily focusing on updating the financial charges levied on grapes used for wine making. The amendments adjust the charge rates from One dollar fifty cents to Two dollars fifty cents and from Four dollars fifty cents to Seven dollars fifty cents per specified quantity of grapes. Furthermore, it revises the payment schedule for these charges, requiring half of the moneys to be paid by 30 September following the twelve-month period and the remaining half by 31 March of the subsequent year. This Act applies to grapes delivered to wineries or distilleries after its commencement, excluding those delivered before the Act takes effect. The application of this Act extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, impacting all wineries and distilleries within its jurisdiction, thereby ensuring uniform charge rates and payment deadlines across the country.
Key Provisions
The Wine Grapes Charges Act 1969 (hereafter referred to as the Act) amends section 3 of the Wine Grapes Charges Act 1929–1966 (Principal Act). Specifically, Section 3 of the Principal Act is revised to adjust the charges for grapes used in wine making. The Act raises the charge from One dollar fifty cents to Two dollars fifty cents per ton for grapes used in wine production (Section 3(a)). It also increases the charge from Four dollars fifty cents to Seven dollars fifty cents per ton for grapes used in distilling (Section 3(b)). Moreover, Section 3(3) is replaced, stipulating that all moneys payable under this section for grapes delivered during a twelve-month period ending on 30 June of any year must be paid to a prescribed authority in two installments: half by 30 September and the remainder by 31 March of the following year.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Firstly, it mandates that any person or entity delivering grapes to a winery or distillery must ensure that the appropriate charges, as amended by this Act, are calculated and paid in accordance with the specified timelines (Section 3). The Act also requires these entities to pay half of the total charge by 30 September and the remaining half by 31 March of the following year. Furthermore, the Act places the responsibility on the prescribed authority to collect these charges, ensuring the financial obligations are met by the relevant parties.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Act may result in legal consequences. While the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance, breaches of such financial obligations could potentially lead to enforcement actions under other relevant laws or regulations. For example, late or non-payment of charges might be pursued through civil litigation or administrative penalties. Additionally, continuous failure to comply could result in the prescribed authority taking measures to recover the unpaid charges, which may include legal action against the defaulting party.