Mike Kelly (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the members for Calare and Lyons for their contributions—particularly the member for Lyons who is a passionate advocate for the primary industries sector in his electorate and is passionately interested in the issues concerning primary industries nationally. In my new capacity I look forward to working closely with the member to advance the cause of primary industries.

The Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment Bill 2010 amends the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999 to increase the maximum allowable levy rate cap on the research and development component of the laying chickens levy from 10c to 30c per laying chicken. The proposed change is simple but provides greater flexibility for the egg industry to invest in its research and development effort into the future, providing a positive return for egg producers in the community. The change in the levy cap will allow for a regulation to be made to increase the operative levy rate to 13.5c to allow the egg industry to meet the core research and development objectives outlined in its 2008-12 strategic plan. The levy increase was requested and supported by the industry. It is a wonderful example of the cooperation between government and industry through the levy scheme to promote and support research and development in the primary industries sector. I thank you, Deputy Speaker Bird, and I thank members for their contribution.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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