Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Export Charges (Collection) Bill 2015 is the final bill being introduced to form the export charging legislative package.

The Export Charges (Collection) Bill 2015 will provide authority to collect charges imposed under the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Bill 2015, the Export Charges (Imposition–Customs) Bill 2015 and the Export Charges (Imposition—Excise) Bill 2015.

The bill provides that the regulations will determine the time allowed to pay charges.

The regulations under this bill will also outline the liability of a person's agent to pay charges on that person's behalf and establish appropriate late payment fees where charges are not paid in the time allowed.

Specifying such matters in regulations, as opposed to the act itself, provides the department with sufficient flexibility to ensure that these matters are appropriate in all circumstances.

The bill also provides the Commonwealth with mechanisms to appropriately deal with nonpayment. This includes powers to refuse service or to suspend or revoke export approvals.

Unpaid charges and late payment fees will be considered as debts to the Commonwealth and may be recovered by action in a relevant court.

The bill sets out provisions for the remitting or refunding of charges or late payment fees where the secretary believes there is sufficient reason to do so.

Together these four bills being introduced today will ensure cost recovery arrangements for activities provided in relation to exports are appropriately supported.

As mentioned earlier, sustainably funding the export services is essential for maintaining farmers' access to overseas markets, strengthening our position as an exporter of the highest quality agricultural goods and ensuring Australia has a vibrant agricultural sector now and in the future.

Debate adjourned.