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 Imported Food Charges (Collection) Bill 2015 is the final being introduced as part of the package to provide appropriate cost recovery arrangements for managing imported food. These arrangements are consistent with the Australian government's cost recovery policy.

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

The bill provides that the regulations will determine the time allowed to pay charges. It does not of itself set the amount of the charges and will not impose any financial impacts.

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 certificates, compliance agreements or any other approval given under the Imported Food Control Act 1992 until payment is made.

Unpaid charges and late-payment fees will be considered 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 of the Department of Agriculture believes there is sufficient reason.

Together these four bills being introduced today will ensure cost recovery arrangements for activities provided in relation to imported food are appropriately supported. As mentioned earlier, these fund the arrangements which contribute to the management of the compliance, health and safety of imported food for all Australians.

I commend this bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It has been splendid to see such adherence to our constitutional requirements in operation this morning.