Mr TRUSS (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) (9:01 AM) —I move:

The purpose of this bill is to correct the rate of National Residue Survey (NRS) levy applicable on certain exports of lambs.

The amendments to the National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Act 1998 (the act) validate the levy already collected at an agreed rate of 8c per head first set in June 1998 in respect of lamb exports with a value of more than $75 under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges (National Residue Survey Levies) Regulations 1998 (the regulations).

Since 1 July 2000 a levy of 4.7c per head has applied through a drafting fault in the regulations, rather than the intended rate of 8c per head.

The peak industry body, the Sheep Meat Council of Australia, and its member organisations are committed to an NRS transaction levy rate of 8c per head in respect of lamb exports with a value of more than $75.

The Sheep Meat Council of Australia has formally requested that this drafting fault be amended, and for the validation of the levy already collected at the agreed rate of 8c set in June 1998.

The levy recovers the cost of the lamb industry's residue monitoring program that is required for market access.

I present the explanatory memorandum.

Debate (on motion by Mr Fitzgibbon) adjourned.