Producers are able to opt out of the relevant Industry Funding Scheme/s. Contributions are mandatory in the first instance, but a producer can opt out and have their annual contribution refunded in full. Opting out of the Schemes does not negate the producer's responsibility to address pest/disease issues on their property.
Producers who decide to opt out lose all entitlements to assistance and compensation via the Scheme. They are also required under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to manage the pests and diseases to which the Scheme relates wholly at their own expense. After opting out, producers need to contribute to the Scheme/s for at least two consecutive years (depending on the number of years in which the producer had opted out) before they can regain eligibility for any Scheme assistance.
Producers wanting to opt out must do so each year during the June immediately prior to the financial year for which they want to opt out (for example, opt out in June 2021 for the 2021/22 financial year). To opt out, producers must provide notice to the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This can be done by:
- using the online opt out form (available during the opt out period)
- completing a 'Notice of opt out form' and sending this to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Completed forms must be lodged with the Director General between 1 June and 30 June each year. Forms received outside these dates or incomplete forms cannot be accepted.
Please contact Bureau Services if you require an opt out form to be sent to you.
Those that have opted out can receive a full refund of any contributions paid during the year. To receive the refund, producers must complete the 'Refund of Contributions' form. Completed forms must be sent to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development along with evidence of the payment of contributions. These must be received by 31 July each year (for example, form received by 31 July 2021 for a refund of contributions paid during 2020/21).
Contact:
Email: Industry Funding Schemes