25 August 2017
Purpose
- The purpose of this Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise exporters that the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, has released the exposure draft of the Export Control Bill 2017 for public consultation.
Summary of changes and key points
- An exposure draft of the Export Control Bill 2017 and Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) are now available for comment and are available on the department’s website.
- The Minister has issued a media release.
- Exporters, industry, trading partners and members of the public have 60 days to provide comment on the exposure draft of the Export Control Bill 2017 and associated RIS. Information on how to make a submission is available on the department’s website.
- The department will be conducting information sessions around the country to discuss the draft legislation. To register your interest, or to find a session near you, please visit the department’s website.
- The improvements should not result in change to existing business practices.
- Your feedback is important and will assist us in improving Australia’s agricultural export legislation.
Background
On 3 December 2015, the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources announced that the Government would make improvements to Australia’s agricultural export legislation.
This announcement was notified through Industry Advice Notice 2015-65.
The announcement followed a review of the legislation, which found scope to make improvements to enable us to better support exporters, farmers and other primary producers in a changing trade environment.
There are currently 17 Acts (including the Export Control Act 1982 and the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Act 1997) and more than 40 legislative instruments (which includes regulations, orders and declarations) related to Australian agricultural exports.
The improvements will streamline and consolidate existing export-related provisions into a new agricultural export legislative framework, making it easier for exporters to understand and comply with.
The legislation will continue to provide strong assurance to trading partners of the integrity of Australian exports.
Parts of the agricultural export system are the subject of separate reforms, including cost recovery arrangements, livestock export certification and the allocation and administration of quotas. The outcomes of these reforms will be included in the improved legislation.
The improved legislation must be implemented prior to 1 April 2020, when much of the existing framework will cease to be law.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Export Legislation.
Mr David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch