CONSOLIDATING export certification provisions is the stated purpose of the draft Export Control Bill, released public consultation this week.
Agriculture minister Bridget McKenzie said the government wanted to ensure farmers and exporters had access to modern, streamlined legislation helping them get goods into overseas markets.
“The Bill shows this government’s continuing commitment to arming our exporters with fit-for-purpose export legislation,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This legislation consolidates export certification provisions that are currently scattered through about 20 Acts and 40 pieces of subordinate legislation.
“It strengthens our regulatory muscle so that the penalties courts will have available to them will match the severity of the breach.”
Senator McKenzie said Australia exported more than $50bn worth of agricultural products each year so ensuring producers got their product into the global marketplace efficiently was top priority.
“We are seeking submissions from agriculture exporters and farmers about the draft Bill to see how the proposed changes will better support their businesses,” she said.
“The aim of this Bill is to make the legislation easier to use while maintaining our commitment to meeting importing country requirements.
“International markets trust Australian produce will be fresh, safe and clean—we need to safeguard our reputation as a quality exporter with practical improvements like simplifying documentation and increasing transparency.”
The Bill aims to remove duplication and provide consistency in export regulation.
Submissions on the Export Control Bill are open until 4 October 2019.
Visit the Department of Agriculture website for more information.
