House of Representatives

Explanatory Memorandum

(Circulated by authority of the Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello, MP)

General outline and financial impact

Taxation Laws Amendment (Excise Arrangements) Bill 2000

This Bill amends the Excise Actand related legislation to:

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transfer the general administration of excise legislation from the CEO of Customs to the Commissioner;

•

insert a confidentiality protection provision in the Excise Act;

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incorporate in the Excise Act the powers of officers that are currently conferred by the Customs Act for excise purposes;

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require forfeited goods seized by police officers to be dealt with in the same way as forfeited goods seized by officers exercising powers for excise purposes; and

•

repeal redundant provisions in the Distillation Actand the Spirits Act.

This Bill amends the Customs Act to transfer administrative responsibility for the provisions in that Act relating to the Diesel Fuel Rebate Scheme to the Commissioner.

This Bill will also amend the Customs Act, the CAA 1985, and the TAA 1953 as a consequence of the amendments to the excise legislation.

Date of effect : The amendments to be made by this Bill will commence from the earlier of 1 July 2001 or 28 days from Royal Assent.

Proposal announced : Not announced. These amendments will give effect to the changed administration of the excise legislation following the Administrative Arrangements Order of 21 October 1998.

Financial impact : None.

Compliance cost impact : None.