Bill Heffernan (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

God bless you, Mr President. What a rare occasion it is when I say something in the chamber. I, and also on behalf of Senators Leyonhjelm and Reynolds, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 24 November 2014:

The industry structures and systems governing the imposition of and disbursement of marketing and research and development (R&D) levies in the agricultural sector, with particular reference to:

(a) an audit of reports, inquiries and reviews relevant to this inquiry;

(b) the basis on which levies are imposed, collected and used;

(c) competing pressures for finite R&D funds;

(d) the opportunities levy payers have to influence the investment of the levies;

(e) the opportunities levy payers have to approve and reapprove the imposition of levies;

(f) the transformation of R&D and marketing into increased returns at the farm gate, including the effectiveness of extension systems;

(g) collaboration on research to benefit multiple industry and research sectors;

(h) industry governance arrangements, consultation and reporting frameworks; and

(i) any other related matter.

Question agreed to.