On 14 May 2013, as part of revenue measures announced in the Australian Government’s 2012-13 Budget, the Government announced new levies for the olive industry. The levies commenced on 1 May 2013. The olives industry’s perception is that greater expenditure on research and development (R&D) is required in order to:
- provide information that establishes the benefits of Australian fresh olive products; and
- maintain the current high quality product while improving productivity; profitability and environmental management through all stages of the supply chain.
In addition, there are concerns with existing arrangements regarding biosecurity risk mitigation. The preferred option in the RIS sought new levies in order to deliver improved outcomes for the Australian olive industry and consumers. The levies apply to olives for processing set at $3.10 per tonne, comprising $3.00 for R&D and $0.10 for Plant Health Australia subscription. In addition, an Emergency Plant Pest Response levy (initially set at $0/tonne) is established to meet the industry’s obligations to manage biosecurity risk mitigation should an emergency plant pest incident occur. A Regulation Impact Statement was prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and has been assessed as adequate by the Office of Best Practice Regulation.
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