- "Sunsetting" of levy instruments – now pushed out to 2023;
- A recent Senate Inquiry in to levies; and
- A recent review conducted by ACIL Allen Consulting on the levy system.
The DAWR has sought and received feedback on the following specific options for the levy process:
- The content of a new, plain English how-to guide to preparing levy proposals - What part of the current process is most difficult to comply with? What kinds of supporting materials would be helpful? Where could the department best play a role?
- Alternative ways that an industry could demonstrate support for some levy proposals - What alternatives to a ballot are there and what are the costs and benefits? Should there be different approaches to demonstrating support for establishing new levies versus changing an existing levy?
- Approaches to increased flexibility for existing levies - What process is appropriate for changing the 'mix' within a levy without changing the overall rate? What is an appropriate process for agreeing and approving movements of levy funds identified as excess to requirements? How could any risks be managed?
- Ways to streamline cumbersome legislative provisions, processes and timeframes - Would clearer, simpler and more consistent levies legislation be of benefit to your industry or organisation?
- Approaches to delivering the government’s commitment to review the 'criteria' used by the department to advise the minister on the suitability of an industry body to be named in legislation, and to review all named bodies against the reviewed 'criteria' within five years. - What should the 'criteria' be? How could a review of industry bodies named in legislation be conducted to deliver value for levy payers?
Please advise if you have any comments or questions to ceo@ngia.com.au or if you require further information.
For more information:
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia
info@ngia.com.au
www.ngia.com.au