Modernising the agricultural levies legislation
Provide your feedback on the draft regulations and rules for modernising the agricultural levies legislative framework.
We are working to streamline and modernise the agricultural levies and charges (levies) legislation.
About the proposed regulations and rules
In May-June 2023 we sought feedback on 5 Bills that will provide the overarching legislative framework for the levy system. Regulations and rules will sit under the Bills and contain the operational details for all levies.
The proposed regulations and rules will:
- help to streamline and modernise the agricultural levies legislation
- make it easier to understand and administer levies
- bring all operational details for each levy into as few places as possible
- state who must pay and collect levies and which organisations receive the levy funds
- use clearer language, common terms and improve consistency across all levies and industries
- streamline payment dates and simplify requirements for returns and record-keeping
The practical operation of each levy is intended to remain the same. Levy rates, collection arrangements and the purposes for which the levies were established are not being changed. The bodies that would receive levy funds will remain the same.
Have your say
We are seeking feedback on:
- Draft Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Regulations
- Draft Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Regulations
- Draft Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Rules
- Draft Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Rules
These regulations and rules are part of a draft legislative framework and are provided for consultation and feedback. They include details for all existing agricultural levies that would be re-established under the draft legislative framework.
To have your say:
- read the consultation material
- complete the survey
Submit your feedback by AEST 5pm Tuesday 23 April 2024.
Your feedback will help us finalise the proposed regulations and rules and ensure they will work as intended. In finalising the regulations and rules, changes may be made based on your feedback and from further improvements identified by the department to ensure the framework is ready for implementation.
If you have any questions please contact the Levies team at LeviesTaskforce@aff.gov.au.
The proposed biosecurity protection levy is not part of this legislative framework. More information about the biosecurity protection levy is available on the department’s website.
Background
The proposed legislation has been informed by previous consultation with stakeholders, including industry representative bodies, levy payers, collection agents, research and development corporations, Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia.
This includes consultation in May/June 2023 on drafts of the Bills. You can find out more about the feedback we received in the summary consultation report. The Bills are now before the Senate. You can follow the progress by viewing the Bills before Parliament.
Proposals to establish or amend levies would continue to be developed in accordance with the department’s Levy Guidelines. Updated guidelines will be released prior to commencement of the proposed new legislation.
You can find more information about streamlining and modernising the agricultural levies legislation on our website.