3Simplified outline of this Act

3 Simplified outline of this Act

This Act is about collecting quarantine charges.

Regulations deal with when quarantine charges are due and payable, and the liability of agents.

The Finance Minister may provide for the Commonwealth (or parts of the Commonwealth) to pay quarantine charges and late payment fees.

If quarantine charges are unpaid, late payment fees can be applied, permits etc. under the Quarantine Act 1908 can be suspended or revoked, other activities under that Act can be refused, and the charges and any late payment fees can be recovered as debts due to the Commonwealth.

In addition, statutory charges can be created over goods or vessels subject to quarantine. These goods and vessels can be withheld by quarantine officers and sold, with the proceeds applied against any quarantine charges, late payment fees, or other fees under the Quarantine Act 1908, that are due and payable by the owner.

Goods and vessels that are abandoned or otherwise not collected, in circumstances where a person has become liable to pay a quarantine charge or late payment fee, can be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of.

Provision is also made for miscellaneous matters, including remitting or refunding quarantine charges and late payment fees, and the application of certain provisions of the Quarantine Act 1908.