Agricultural levy payers and industry bodies have a chance to give their feedback on draft regulations and rules that are part of modernising the agricultural levies legislation.
Last year, the Australian Government introduced six bills to make agricultural levies legislation simpler and more consistent. The department is now consulting on the draft regulations and rules that sit under the bills.
Deputy Secretary Matt Lowe said the proposed legislation would be clearer about how levies are imposed, collected, and paid out.
“Agricultural levies are established at the request of an industry and invested in activities – like research and development – that will strengthen the industry,” Mr Lowe said.
“Over time, the legislative framework has grown more and more complicated. There are currently more than 110 levies and charges on over 70 commodities across the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sector. All in, they raise around $600 million every year.
“The proposed legislation will make it easier for people to understand and navigate levies and charges.
“We have consulted with levy payers and the industry to understand what needs to be done to improve the legislation. They provided their feedback on the draft Bills and now we want to hear what they think of the draft regulations and rules.
“It’s important that legislation supporting the levy system is clear and simple, so everyone knows who pays and where the money is going.
“What these reforms won’t do is change how levies are collected, who receives them and what they are used for.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in the legislation to take the time to read over the draft regulations and provide feedback.”
You can have your say here: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/modernising-agricultural-levies
To find out more about modernising agricultural levies legislation, visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/levies/levies-process-reform.
