14 May 2021
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to notify industry that a draft 2021–22 cost recovery implementation statement (CRIS) for the non‑prescribed goods (NPG) export arrangement has been published on the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s website for public consultation.
Key points
- It is government policy to recover the full cost of delivering export regulatory services. Under the Australian Government Charging Framework, the department must regularly document changes to regulatory charging activities through a CRIS.
- The 2021–22 CRIS proposes updated prices for 2021–22 to 2024–25, including stepped increases to full cost recovery as outlined in the More Efficient and Sustainable Export Regulation measure from the 2020–21 Budget Busting Congestion for Agricultural Exporters package.
Next steps
- Consultation on the 2021–22 CRIS to implement increased fees and charges from 1 July 2021 is now open.
- We want your feedback on how the proposed arrangement outlined in the CRIS will impact you or your business. Your views will inform the final CRIS.
- Changes to fees and charges must be approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management and written into legislation before changes come into effect from 1 July 2021.
- Please provide feedback on the department’s Have Your Say platform by 10 June 2021. You can respond to our survey about the CRIS and provide a written submission should you have anything to add to your survey response.
- We will be arranging virtual information sessions to describe the CRIS and new fees and charges. If you would like to participate in one of the virtual information sessions, please register your interest by emailing NPGExports@awe.gov.au or via the Have Your Say platform by 21 May 2021
Background
- The department consulted with industry on a new fee and charge structure for NPG in 2019 and 2020. A summary of the feedback received is included in each CRIS.
- Based on stakeholder feedback and possible reforms to NPG regulatory activities over the next few years, these changes have not been proposed in the 2021–22 CRIS. As we engage with industry and exporters on these reforms, we will also consult on potential changes to fees and charges that will better support the changing regulatory services.
- The government provided $71.1 million under the Busting Congestion package to freeze fees and charges in 2020–21 and implement stepped increases to return to full cost recovery by 2023–24. This decision was informed by consultation with industry on previous CRIS, consideration of the impacts of COVID–19, the 2019–20 bushfires and the effects of drought.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email CostRecovery@awe.gov.au.
Rachel Short
A/g Assistant Secretary
Funding and Revenue Branch