Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection 2023

# Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2023 ## What it does This bill sets up the rules for collecting money that farmers, fishers, and foresters have to pay towards industry programs and services. It covers three types of payments: levies (industry contributions), excise charges, and customs charges. Think of it as the administrative backbone—it doesn't decide *how much* people pay, just *how* the government collects it. ## Why it matters If you buy Australian agricultural products, these levies ultimately get passed through supply chains and can affect prices. For farmers and producers, these are mandatory contributions that fund research, marketing, and industry support—so clear collection rules matter for their planning and cash flow. ## Key details - **Late payments cost extra**: If someone doesn't pay on time, they'll be hit with a late payment penalty (the bill doesn't specify the amount—that's set elsewhere). - **Government has inspection powers**: The Secretary of Agriculture can demand information and documents from anyone involved, and inspectors can monitor compliance. Breaching these rules can trigger civil penalties or infringement notices (on-the-spot fines). - **Applies across Australia**: This includes external territories like Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands, so the rules are nationwide.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament