Commonwealth: Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (Cth)

Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 No. 17, 1990 Compilation No. 30 Compilation date: 1 January 2025 Includes amendments: Act No. 60, 2024 About this compilation This compilation This is a compilation of the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 January 2025 (the compilation date). The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law. Uncommenced amendments The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law. Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes. Editorial changes For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes. Modifications If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law. Self‑repealing provisions If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes. Contents Part 1—Preliminary 1 Short title 2 Commencement 2A Simplified outline of this Act 3 Objects 4 Definitions 5 Expressions defined in the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024 7 Representative organisations Part 2—Research and Development Corporations Division 1—Establishment, functions and powers of Research and Development Corporations 8 Establishment of research and development corporations 9 Establishment of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 10 R&D Corporation is body corporate etc. 11 Functions 12 Powers 13 Agreements for carrying out research and development activities and marketing activities by other persons 14 Agreements for carrying out research and development activities and marketing activities with other persons 15 Consultations with persons and organisations Division 2—Constitution of Research and Development Corporations 16 Constitution 17 Appointment of directors 18 Members of executive of representative organisation not eligible for appointment etc. Division 3—R&D plans and annual operational plans 19 R&D plans 20 Approval of R&D plans 21 Variation of R&D plans 22 Approval for varied R&D plans to run for 4 years from next 1 July 23 When variations of R&D plans take effect 24 Consultation 25 Annual operational plans 26 Commencement of annual operational plan etc. 27 Compliance with R&D plans and annual operational plans 27A Application of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 Division 4—Accountability 28 Annual report 29 Accountability to representative organisations Division 5—Finance 33 Expenditure of money of R&D Corporations 33B State and Territory fisheries R&D money 40 Separate accounting records 41 Borrowing from Commonwealth 42 Borrowing from persons other than the Commonwealth 43 Guarantee of borrowing 44 Borrowing not otherwise permitted 45 R&D Corporations may give security 46 Liability to taxation 46A Delegation by Finance Minister Division 6—Meetings of Research and Development Corporations 47 Times and places of meetings 48 Presiding at meetings 49 Quorum 50 Voting at meetings 51 Conduct of meetings 52 Resolutions without meetings 53 Minutes 55 Persons may be invited to attend meetings Division 7—Annual general meetings 56 Application of Division 57 List of levy or charge payers 58 R&D Corporation to convene annual general meetings 59 Notice of the convening of an annual general meeting 60 Purpose of annual general meeting 61 Regulations may provide for certain matters 62 Conduct of annual general meetings 63 Motions of no confidence 64 Notification of motions passed Division 8—Provisions relating to directors other than Executive Directors 65 Scope of this Division 66 Term of office 67 Directors hold office on part‑time basis 68 Remuneration and allowances of directors 69 Terms and conditions of appointment not provided for by Act 70 Outside employment 71 Leave of absence 72 Resignation 73 Termination of appointment 74 Deputy Chairperson Division 9—Executive Director 75 Executive Director 76 Duties 77 Appointment 78 Term of appointment etc. 79 Executive Director holds office on full‑time or part‑time basis 80 Executive Director not to engage in other paid employment 81 Terms and conditions of appointment 82 Leave of absence 83 Resignation 85 Acting Executive Director 86 Exclusion of Executive Director etc. from certain deliberations Division 10—Employees and consultants 87 Employees 88 Consultants Division 11—Miscellaneous 89 Committees 90 Delegation by R&D Corporation 91 Delegation by Executive Director Part 4—Selection Committees Division 1—Establishment etc. of Selection Committees 122 Presiding Members of Selection Committees 123 Minister may request the establishment of a Selection Committee 124 Establishment of Selection Committees—R&D Corporations 125 Establishment of Selection Committees—predominantly Commonwealth funded R&D Corporations 127 Function of Selection Committees 128 Powers of Selection Committees 129 When Selection Committees abolished Division 2—The selection process 130 Nominations to be made by Selection Committees 131 Selecting persons for nomination 132 Selection Committee to make only one nomination 133 Minister may request further information 134 Minister may reject nomination Division 3—Preliminary selection arrangements 135 Selection arrangements for proposed R&D Corporations Division 4—Other provisions relating to Selection Committees 138 Applied provisions and disclosure of interest provisions 139 Employees 140 Consultants 141 Annual reports of Selection Committees Part 5—Miscellaneous 143 Minister may give directions 143A Delegations 144 Transfer of assets etc. on the establishment of an R&D Corporation 145 Transfer of assets etc. on cessation of an R&D Corporation 146 Alteration of agreements and instruments on establishment of an R&D Corporation 147 Alteration of agreements and instruments on cessation of an R&D Corporation 148 Renaming of R&D Corporations 149 Regulations Endnotes Endnote 1—About the endnotes Endnote 2—Abbreviation key Endnote 3—Legislation history Endnote 4—Amendment history An Act to provide for the undertaking of research and development relating to primary industries and natural resources, and for related purposes Part 1—Preliminary 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. 2 Commencement (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act commences on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent. (2) Section 9, subsections 26(2), 31(2), 36(2) and 39(2), Part 3, section 156 and Schedule 1 commence on 1 July 1990. 2A Simplified outline of this Act Establishment of research and development corporations The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation is established and the regulations may establish, or continue in existence, other research and development corporations. Those corporations have various functions and powers. They must have R&D plans and annual operational plans. Finance The Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024 provides for payments to those corporations. Under that Act: (a) the Commonwealth must pay to those corporations amounts connected with various levies and charges collected under rules made under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act 2024; and (b) those corporations must spend the payments on various activities, including research and development activities and marketing activities for the benefit of primary industries; and (c) the Commonwealth must also make matching payments to those corporations, based on amounts of expenditure on research and development activities or certain other activities by those corporations and on gross value of production amounts; and (d) those corporations must spend the matching payments on various activities, including research and development activities for the benefit of primary industries. Directors This Act provides for directors of those corporations and for the appointment process for those directors, including the use of Selection Committees. 3 Objects The objects of this Act are to: (a) make provision for the undertaking of research and development relating to primary industries with a view to: (i) increasing the economic, environmental and social benefits to members of primary industries and to the community in general by improving the production, processing, storage, transport or marketing of the products of primary industries; and (ii) achieving the sustainable use and sustainable management of natural resources; and (iii) making more effective use of the resources and skills of the community in general and the scientific community in particular; and (iv) supporting the development of scientific and technical capacity; and (v) developing the adoptive capacity of primary producers; and (vi) improving accountability for expenditure on research and development activities in relation to primary industries; and (b) make provision for the undertaking of marketing relating to products of primary industries. 4 Definitions (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears: annual general meeting, in relation to an R&D Corporation, means an annual general meeting that the Corporation is required to convene under section 58. annual operational plan means an annual operational plan of an R&D Corporation in force under Division 3 of Part 2. borrowing includes raising money or obtaining credit, whether by dealing in securities or otherwise, but does not include obtaining credit in a transaction forming part of the day‑to‑day operations of an R&D Corporation. Chairperson, in relation to an R&D Corporation, means the Chairperson of the Corporation. Deputy Chairperson, in relation to an R&D Corporation, means the Deputy Chairperson of the Corporation. designated primary industry sector in relation to an R&D Corporation: see section 5. director means a director of an R&D Corporation, and includes: (a) the Chairperson; and (c) the Executive Director; of the Corporation. Executive Director, in relation to an R&D Corporation, means the Executive Director of the Corporation appointed under Division 9 of Part 2. Finance Minister means the Minister who administers the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. funding agreement means an agreement under section 42 of the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024. marketing activities, in relation to an R&D Corporation, means the following: (a) the marketing, advertising or promotion of: (i) a designated primary industry sector in relation to that Corporation; or (ii) goods that are the produce, or that are derived from the produce, of a designated primary industry sector in relation to that Corporation; (b) activities incidental to such marketing, advertising or promotion. member, in relation to a Selection Committee, means a member of the Selection Committee, and includes the Presiding Member of the Selection Committee. nominated director means a director of an R&D Corporation, other than the Chairperson or the Executive Director of the Corporation. Presiding Member means a person appointed under section 122 as the Presiding Member of the Selection Committee for an R&D Corporation. primary industry means any field of endeavour (other than the wool industry) whose objective is: (a) the production of agricultural or other primary produce; or (c) the conservation and the sustainable use and management of a natural resource. R&D Corporation means: (a) a research and development corporation established under regulations, or continued in existence under regulations, made for the purposes of section 8; or (b) the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation established under section 9. R&D plan means an R&D plan of an R&D Corporation in force under Division 3 of Part 2. representative organisation, in relation to an R&D Corporation, means an organisation declared under section 7 to be a representative organisation in relation to the Corporation. research and development: see section 5. research and development activity: see section 5. Selection Committee means a Selection Committee for an R&D Corporation established under section 124 or 125. this Act includes the regulations. (2) A reference in this Act to expenses incurred by a Selection Committee includes a reference to the remuneration and allowances payable to the Presiding Member and other members of the Selection Committee and persons employed or engaged by the Selection Committee. 5 Expressions defined in the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024 For the purposes of this Act, work out what are the following under the definitions in Part 1 of the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024: (a) designated primary industry sector in relation to an R&D Corporation; (b) research and development; (c) research and development activity. Note: The definitions in that Act apply, in part, in relation to a statutory recipient body, which includes an R&D Corporation. 7 Representative organisations (1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare one or more specified organisations to be representative organisations in relation to an R&D Corporation. (2) A declaration may be made in respect of an R&D Corporation at any time after the making of regulations under section 8 establishing the Corporation, even if the regulations concerned are not in force at that time. (3) The Minister must, in relation to each R&D Corporation, declare at least one organisation to be a representative organisation. (4) A declaration must be published on the Department's website as soon as practicable after it is made. Part 2—Research and Development Corporations Division 1—Establishment, functions and powers of Research and Development Corporations 8 Establishment of research and development corporations The regulations may: (a) establish a research and development corporation with the name prescribed by the regulations; or (b) continue in existence a research and development corporation prescribed by the regulations. 9 Establishment of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation is established. 10 R&D Corporation is body corporate etc. (1) An R&D Corporation: (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and (b) is to have a common seal; and (c) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and (d) may sue and be sued in its corporate name. Note: The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 applies to an R&D Corporation. That Act deals with matters relating to corporate Commonwealth entities, including reporting and the use and management of public resources. (2) The common seal of an R&D Corporation is to be kept in such custody as the Corporation directs, and is not to be used except as authorised by the Corporation. (3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially must: (a) take judicial notice of the imprint of the common seal of an R&D Corporation appearing on a document; and (b) presume the imprint was duly affixed. 11 Functions The functions of an R&D Corporation are: (a) to investigate and evaluate the requirements for research and development for each designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation and, on the basis of such investigation and evaluation: (i) to prepare an R&D plan under section 19; and (ii) to review and revise the plan; and (b) to prepare an annual operational plan under section 25 for each financial year; and (c) to co‑ordinate or fund the carrying out of research and development activities that are consistent with the annual operational plan prepared by the Corporation and in force at the time; and (d) to: (i) monitor; and (ii) evaluate; and (iii) report to the Parliament, the Minister and its representative organisations on; research and development activities that are co‑ordinated or funded, wholly or partly, by the Corporation; and (da) to: (i) assess; and (ii) report to the Parliament, the Minister and its representative organisations on; the impact, on each designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation, of research and development activities that are co‑ordinated or funded, wholly or partly, by the Corporation; and (e) to disseminate and commercialise, and facilitate the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of, the results of research and development in relation to each designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation; and (ea) to carry out marketing activities under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024 for the benefit of designated primary industry sectors in relation to the Corporation; and (eb) if a person makes a gift, grant, bequest or devise to the Corporation for the purpose of the Corporation carrying out marketing activities for the benefit of a designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation—to use the gift, grant, bequest or devise to carry out those marketing activities; and (f) such other functions as are conferred on the Corporation by this Act or any other Act. 12 Powers (1) An R&D Corporation has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions and, in particular, may: (a) enter into agreements under section 13 for the carrying out of research and development activities or marketing activities by other persons; and (b) enter into agreements under section 14 for the carrying out of research and development activities or marketing activities by the Corporation and other persons; and (c) make intellectual property and other applications, including joint applications, in relation to the results of research and development; and (d) deal with the results of research and development vested in, or made available to, the Corporation or the Corporation and other persons; and (e) make charges for work done, services rendered, and goods and information supplied, by it; and (f) accept gifts, grants, bequests and devises made to it, and act as trustee of money and other property vested in it on trust; and (g) acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property for the purposes of this Act; and (h) join in the formation of a company; and (j) do anything incidental to any of its powers. 13 Agreements for carrying out research and development activities and marketing activities by other persons (1) Without limiting the generality of subsection 12(1), an R&D Corporation may enter into an agreement with a person for the carrying out of either or both of the following by the person: (a) research and development activities; (b) marketing activities as mentioned in paragraph 11(ea) or (eb). (2) Without limiting the matters that may be included in the agreement, the agreement may: (a) provide for the money provided under the agreement, and any property acquired or goods produced with that money, or with money that includes that money, to be used for the purposes specified in the agreement; and (b) provide for the payment by the person to the Corporation of an amount equal to the whole, or such part as the Corporation determines, of the money provided under the agreement if any of the money, property or goods referred to in paragraph (a) is or are used for a purpose not specified in the agreement; and (c) make provision with respect to: (i) assigning inventions and interests in inventions; and (ii) applying for patents for inventions; and (iii) commercially exploiting patented inventions; and (iv) granting licences under patented inventions; being inventions made in the course of undertaking research and development activities or doing anything else with that money or with money that includes that money; and (d) provide for the payment by the person to the Corporation of an amount equal to the whole, or such part as the Corporation determines, of any net income derived by the person from the money, property or goods referred to in paragraph (a) or patents or interests referred to in paragraph (c); and (e) provide for the assignment by the person to the Corporation of any money, property, goods, patents or interests referred to in paragraph (d); and (f) provide for the payment by the person to the Corporation of an amount of money determined by the Corporation in accordance with the agreement in the event of the disposal (otherwise than to the Corporation) of any property, goods, patents or interests referred to in paragraph (d). 14 Agreements for carrying out research and development activities and marketing activities with other persons (1) Without limiting the generality of subsection 12(1), an R&D Corporation may enter into an agreement (including a joint venture agreement or a partnership agreement) with a person for either or both of the following to be carried out by the Corporation and the person: (a) research and development activities; (b) marketing activities as mentioned in paragraph 11(ea) or (eb). (2) Without limiting the matters that may be included in the agreement, the agreement is to specify: (a) the objectives of the activities; and (b) the expected duration of the activities; and (c) the nature and extent of the contribution to be made by the Corporation towards the activities; and (d) the basis for the distribution of profits and other benefits derived from the activities. 15 Consultations with persons and organisations (1) Without limiting the generality of subsection 12(1), an R&D Corporation may make arrangements for consulting: (a) persons and bodies representative of a designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation (including any of the Corporation's representative organisations); and (b) Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities concerned with that sector. (2) Arrangements made by an R&D Corporation under subsection (1) may provide for: (a) the Corporation agreeing to meet travel expenses reasonably incurred by a person in connection with consultations with the Corporation; and (b) subject to written guidelines given to the Corporation by the Minister, the Corporation agreeing to meet expenses (other than travel expenses) reasonably incurred by a representative organisation of the Corporation, or a member of a representative organisation of the Corporation, in connection with consultations with the Corporation. Division 2—Constitution of Research and Development Corporations 16 Constitution (1) An R&D Corporation consists of: (a) a Chairperson; and (c) an Executive Director; and (d) such number of other directors, not fewer than 5 nor more than 7, as the Minister determines, in writing, to be appropriate for that Corporation. (2) The performance of the functions and the exercise of the powers of an R&D Corporation are not affected merely because of vacancies in the Corporation's directorship. 17 Appointment of directors (1) The directors of an R&D Corporation (other than the Executive Director) are to be appointed by the Minister. (3) The nominated directors of an R&D Corporation are to be appointed from persons: (a) nominated by a Selection Committee under Part 4; or (b) included on a list, given to the Minister under paragraph 132(2)(b), of persons a Selection Committee considers suitable for nomination. (5) The appointment of a person as a director of an R&D Corporation is not invalid because of a defect or irregularity in connection with the person's nomination or appointment. 18 Members of executive of representative organisation not eligible for appointment etc. (1) A person who is a member of the executive of a representative organisation of an R&D Corporation must not be appointed as a director of the Corporation. (2) A director of an R&D Corporation who becomes a member of the executive of a representative organisation of the Corporation ceases to hold office as a director of the Corporation. Division 3—R&D plans and annual operational plans 19 R&D plans (1) An R&D Corporation must prepare, in written form, an R&D plan for each successive period referred to in subsections (3) and (4). (2) An R&D Corporation's R&D plan is to include: (a) a statement of the Corporation's objectives and priorities for the period to which the plan is expressed to relate; and (b) an outline of the strategies that the Corporation intends to adopt in order to achieve those objectives. (3) The first R&D plan is to be expressed to relate to: (a) if the R&D Corporation is established in the first 9 months of a financial year—that financial year and the 4 subsequent financial years; or (b) if the R&D Corporation is established in the last 3 months of a financial year—the next financial year and the 4 subsequent financial years. (4) Each subsequent R&D plan is to be expressed to relate to the period of 5 years commencing at the end of the period to which the immediately preceding R&D plan relates. 20 Approval of R&D plans (1) An R&D plan is to be submitted to the Minister for approval no later than 2 months, or such shorter period as the Minister, in special circumstances, allows, before the intended day of commencement of the period to which the plan relates. (2) Where the Minister is of the opinion that an R&D Corporation's R&D plan, submitted under subsection (1) or (3) for his or her approval, should be revised in some respect, the Minister may give to the Corporation a written notice: (a) requesting the Corporation to make such a revision; and (b) setting out the reasons for the request. (3) Where an R&D Corporation receives such a request, it must: (a) consider the request and the statement of reasons; and (b) make such revision of the R&D plan it considers appropriate; and (c) submit the plan, as so revised, to the Minister for approval. (4) Where a copy of an R&D plan is submitted to the Minister for approval under subsection (1) or (3), a copy of the plan is at the same time also to be provided to the Presidents (or the holders of the equivalent office) within each of the representative organisations of the Corporation. (5) Where the Minister approves an R&D plan, the Corporation is, no later than one month after the day on which it is approved by the Minister, to notify each of its representative organisations of the Minister's approval. (6) An R&D plan does not come into operation until: (a) the day on which it is approved by the Minister; or (b) the day of commencement of the period to which it relates; whichever is the later. 21 Variation of R&D plans (1) An R&D Corporation must: (a) as soon as practicable after 30 June next following the day on which its R&D plan comes into operation; and (b) as soon as practicable after each subsequent 30 June occurring before the day of expiration of the plan; review the plan and consider whether a variation of it is necessary. (2) An R&D Corporation may, at any other time, review its R&D plan (whether or not the plan has come into operation) and consider whether a variation of it is necessary. (3) Where the Minister gives to an R&D Corporation a notice requesting that the Corporation vary its R&D plan and setting out the reasons for making the request, it must consider, having regard to the reasons, whether the requested variation of the plan is appropriate. (4) Where an R&D Corporation considers that: (a) a variation of its R&D plan is necessary; or (b) a variation of its R&D plan, requested by the Minister, is appropriate; it may vary the plan with the Minister's approval. (5) When requesting the Minister's approval for a variation of the plan, the Corporation must, unless the variation was requested by the Minister, provide the Minister with: (a) a statement of its reasons for making the request; and (b) such other information as the Minister requests. (6) The Minister may, after considering the request (together with the material (if any) provided under subsection (5)): (a) approve the requested variation; or (b) reject the requested variation. (7) Where the Minister approves a requested variation, the Corporation is, no later than one month after the day on which it is approved by the Minister, to provide a copy of the varied plan as approved by the Minister to the Presidents (or the holders of the equivalent office) within each of the representative organisations of the Corporation. (8) If the Minister rejects the requested variation he or she must give the Corporation his or her written reasons for doing so. 22 Approval for varied R&D plans to run for 4 years from next 1 July (1) Where an R&D Corporation requests the Minister's approval for a variation of its R&D plan, and that plan is in force, the Corporation may also request the Minister's approval for the plan as varied to be in force until the end of 4 years beginning on the next 1 July after the day on which the variation takes effect. (2) When making a request under subsection (1), the Corporation must provide the Minister with: (a) a statement of its reasons for making the request; and (b) such other information as the Minister requests. (3) Where: (a) a request is made under subsection (1); and (b) the Minister approves a variation of the plan under subsection 21(6); and (c) the Minister is satisfied that it is appropriate for the request under subsection (1) to be granted; the Minister may, by notice in writing given to the Corporation, give his or her approval for the plan as varied to be in force until the end of 4 years beginning on the next 1 July after the day on which the variation takes effect. 23 When variations of R&D plans take effect (1) Where the Minister approves a variation of an R&D plan, the variation takes effect on: (a) if the Minister also gives his or her approval under section 22 for the plan as varied to be in force as mentioned in that section—the day specified by the Minister in giving the approval under that section, or, where no such day is specified, the next 1 July after the day of approval of the variation; or (b) in any other case—the day of approval of the variation. (2) If the operation of an R&D plan (being a plan that has come into force) takes effect on the day of the Minister's approval of the variation, the plan as varied continues in force, on and after that day, as if the Minister had originally approved the plan as varied. 24 Consultation Before preparing or varying an R&D plan, or making a request under subsection 22(1), an R&D Corporation must consult, and have regard to the views expressed by: (aa) the Minister; and (a) each of its representative organisations; and (b) such other persons or organisations as it considers appropriate. 25 Annual operational plans (1) An R&D Corporation must, for each financial year during which an R&D plan is in force, prepare, in written form, an annual operational plan that is expressed to relate to that financial year. (2) The annual operational plan is to: (a) specify the broad groupings of research and development activities and marketing activities that the R&D Corporation proposes to fund, wholly or partly, during the financial year; and (b) describe how and to what extent funding those activities will: (i) give effect to the R&D plan in force during that financial year; and (ii) in particular, pursue the strategies outlined in the R&D plan and help to achieve the objectives described in the R&D plan; and (c) provide an estimate of: (i) the total amounts likely to be spent by the Corporation in respect of each broad grouping of research and development activities the Corporation proposes to fund during the financial year; and (ii) the total of all other amounts likely to be spent by the Corporation during the financial year; and (iii) the total of the amounts referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and (iv) the total of the amounts that are likely to be paid to the Corporation during the financial year (other than the amounts paid under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024). (3) A reference in this section to research and development activities or marketing activities that an R&D Corporation proposes to fund includes a reference to research and development activities or marketing activities that the Corporation is prepared, subject to its examination of specific proposals, to fund. 26 Commencement of annual operational plan etc. (1) An annual operational plan for an R&D Corporation comes into operation on the first day of the period to which the plan relates. (2) Before the plan comes into operation, the Corporation must provide a copy of the plan to: (a) the Minister; and (b) each of the representative organisations of the Corporation. 27 Compliance with R&D plans and annual operational plans To the extent that it is practicable to do so, an R&D Corporation must ensure that, at any time: (a) the performance of its functions; and (b) the exercise of its powers; are consistent with, and designed to give effect to, any R&D plan, and any annual operational plan, prepared by it and in force at the time. 27A Application of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 Section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with corporate plans) does not apply to an R&D Corporation. Division 4—Accountability 28 Annual report The annual report prepared by the directors of an R&D Corporation and given to the Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period must include: (a) particulars of: (i) the research and development activities that it co‑ordinated or funded, wholly or partly, during the period; and (ia) the marketing activities that it coordinated or funded, wholly or partly, during the period; and (ii) the amount that it spent during the period in relation to each of those activities; and (iib) the impact of those activities on each designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation; and (iii) revisions of its R&D plan approved by the Minister during the period; and (iv) the entering into of agreements under sections 13 and 14 during the period and its activities during the period in relation to agreements entered into under that section during or prior to the period; and (v) its activities during the period in relation to applying for patents for inventions, commercially exploiting patented inventions and granting licences under patented inventions; and (vi) the activities of any companies in which the Corporation has an interest; and (vii) any activities relating to the formation of a company; and (viii) significant acquisitions and dispositions of real property by it during the period; and (b) an assessment of the extent to which its operations during the period have: (i) achieved its objectives as stated in its R&D plan; and (ii) implemented the annual operational plan applicable to the period; and (c) an assessment of the extent to which the Corporation has, during the period, contributed to the attainment of the objects of this Act as set out in section 3; and (d) in respect of the grain industry or such other primary industry or class of primary industries as is prescribed in the regulations, particulars of sources and expenditure of funds, including: (i) commodity, cross commodity and regional classifications; and (ii) funds derived from transfer of assets, debts, liabilities and obligations under section 144. Note: For subparagraph (a)(ia), an R&D Corporation is permitted to carry out marketing activities as mentioned in paragraphs 11(ea) and (eb). 29 Accountability to representative organisations The Chairperson of an R&D Corporation (other than an R&D Corporation to which Division 7 applies) must, as soon as practicable after the Corporation's annual report has been submitted to the Minister, provide copies of the report to each of the Corporation's representative organisations, and make arrangements with each of those organisations to attend the organisation's annual conference, or a meeting of the organisation's executive, for the purpose of enabling: (a) the annual report to be considered; and (b) the Chairperson to deliver an address in relation to: (i) the Corporation's activities in the period to which the report relates; and (ii) the Corporation's intended activities in the financial year following the end of the period; and (iii) in respect of the grain industry and such other primary industry or class of primary industries as is prescribed in the regulations, particulars of sources and expenditure of funds, including: (A) commodity, cross commodity and regional classifications; and (B) funds derived from transfer of assets, debts, liabilities and obligations under section 144; and (c) the Chairperson to be questioned in relation to those activities. Division 5—Finance 33 Expenditure of money of R&D Corporations (1) Subject to this section, an R&D Corporation's money may be spent only: (a) for the purpose of funding research and development activities included in the broad groupings of research and development activities specified in an annual operational plan prepared by the Corporation and in force; and (b) in payment or discharge of the expenses and liabilities incurred by the Corporation in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers; and (c) in payment of remuneration and allowances payable: (i) under sections 68 and 81 to the Corporation's directors; or (ii) under section 89 to members of committees established by the Corporation under that section; and (d) in payment to the Commonwealth of amounts payable under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024; and (e) in payment of amounts in respect of expenses (including the payment of remuneration and allowances) incurred by a Selection Committee in performing its function, and exercising its powers, in relation to the selection of directors for appointment to the Corporation; and (f) in making any other payments that the Corporation is authorised or required to make under this Act. (1AA) Money paid to an R&D Corporation under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024 may be spent by the R&D Corporation only in accordance with that Act. (1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to an R&D Corporation's money to the extent that it includes a gift, grant, bequest or devise of a kind mentioned in paragraph 11(eb). Note: Under that paragraph, the R&D Corporation must use the gift, grant, bequest or devise to carry out marketing activities. (2) An R&D Corporation is liable to pay the expenses, and discharge the liabilities, incurred by a Selection Committee in connection with the performance of its function, and the exercise of its powers, in relation to the selection of directors for appointment to the Corporation. Spending must be in accordance with funding agreement (3) An R&D Corporation must not spend money that has been paid to the R&D Corporation by the Commonwealth unless the R&D Corporation does so in accordance with a written funding agreement. 33B State and Territory fisheries R&D money (1) This section applies if: (a) a State or Territory makes a payment to an R&D Corporation in respect of research and development in respect of the fishing industry; or (b) the Commonwealth makes a payment to an R&D Corporation of money paid by a State or Territory to the Commonwealth in respect of research and development in respect of the fishing industry. (2) The R&D Corporation must, within 5 years of receiving the payment, spend an equal amount on research and development activities of relevance to the State or Territory. 40 Separate accounting records The regulations may: (a) require an R&D Corporation to keep separate accounting records in relation to the funding of specified classes of activities; and (b) specify the amounts to be credited and debited in the accounting records and the manner in which the amounts are to be calculated. 41 Borrowing from Commonwealth The Finance Minister may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, out of money appropriated by the Parliament for the purpose, lend money to an R&D Corporation on such terms and conditions as the Finance Minister determines in writing. 42 Borrowing from persons other than the Commonwealth (1) An R&D Corporation may, with the written approval of the Finance Minister, borrow money from persons other than the Commonwealth on terms and conditions specified in, or consistent with, the approval. (2) Money may be borrowed wholly or partly in foreign currency. 43 Guarantee of borrowing (1) The Finance Minister may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, enter into a contract guaranteeing the performance by an R&D Corporation of obligations incurred by it under section 42. (2) If the Finance Minister determines in writing that obligations incurred by the Corporation under that section are guaranteed by the Commonwealth, the obligations are so guaranteed by force of this subsection. (3) A contract may be entered into under subsection (1), and a determination may be made under subsection (2), in relation to a particular transaction or class of transactions. (4) A contract under subsection (1) may include either or both of the following provisions: (a) a provision agreeing that proceedings under the contract may be taken in courts of a foreign country; (b) a provision waiving the immunity of the Commonwealth from suit in courts of a foreign country. 44 Borrowing not otherwise permitted An R&D Corporation must not borrow money except under this Division. 45 R&D Corporations may give security An R&D Corporation may give security over the whole or part of its assets for: (a) the performance by the Corporation of any obligation incurred under section 41 or 42; or (b) the payment to the Commonwealth of amounts equal to amounts paid by the Commonwealth under a guarantee under section 43. 46 Liability to taxation (1) An R&D Corporation is subject to taxation (other than income tax) under the laws of the Commonwealth. (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), an R&D Corporation is not subject to taxation under a law of a State or Territory. (3) The regulations may provide that subsection (2) does not apply in relation to: (a) a specified law of a State or Territory; or (b) laws in a specified class of laws of a State or Territory. (4) Stamp duty under the law of a State or a Territory is payable by an R&D Corporation in respect of transactions entered into by, and instruments and documents executed by or on behalf of, the Corporation. 46A Delegation by Finance Minister (1) The Finance Minister may, by written instrument, delegate any of the Finance Minister's powers or functions under section 42 or 43 to an official (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013) of a non‑corporate Commonwealth entity (within the meaning of that Act). (2) In exercising powers or functions under a delegation, the official must comply with any directions of the Finance Minister. Division 6—Meetings of Research and Development Corporations 47 Times and places of meetings (1) An R&D Corporation must hold such meetings as is necessary for the efficient performance of its functions. (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), meetings are to be held at such times and places as the Corporation from time to time determines. (3) The Chairperson may call a meeting at any time. (4) The Chairperson must call a meeting if requested to do so in writing by a majority of the directors. 48 Presiding at meetings (1) The Chairperson is to preside at all meetings at which he or she is present. (2) If the Chairperson is not present at a meeting and the Deputy Chairperson is present, the Deputy Chairperson is to preside. (3) If the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are not present at a meeting, the directors present are to appoint one of their number to preside. 49 Quorum A majority of the directors constitutes a quorum. 50 Voting at meetings (1) A question is to be decided by a majority of the votes of the directors present and voting. (2) The person presiding at a meeting has a deliberative vote and, if necessary, also has a casting vote. 51 Conduct of meetings (1) An R&D Corporation may, subject to this Division, regulate proceedings at its meetings as it considers appropriate. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), an R&D Corporation may permit a director to participate in a meeting by telephone or any other means of communication. (3) A director who is permitted to participate in a meeting under subsection (2) is to be regarded as being present at that meeting. 52 Resolutions without meetings Where an R&D Corporation so determines, a resolution is to be taken to have been passed at a meeting of the Corporation if: (a) without meeting, a majority of the number of directors indicate agreement with the resolution in accordance with the method determined by the Corporation; and (b) that majority would, if present at a meeting of the Corporation and entitled to vote on the resolution at that meeting, have constituted a quorum under section 49. 53 Minutes An R&D Corporation must keep minutes of its meetings. 55 Persons may be invited to attend meetings An R&D Corporation may invite a person to attend a meeting for the purpose of advising or informing it on any matter. Division 7—Annual general meetings 56 Application of Division This Division applies to an R&D Corporation if: (a) there are one or more levies or charges imposed by provisions prescribed by rules made under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024 for the purposes of paragraph 15(1)(a) of that Act in relation to the Corporation; and (b) the regulations declare that this Division applies to the Corporation. 57 List of levy or charge payers (1) An R&D Corporation must, in respect of each financial year, prepare a list of persons whom the Corporation knows became, during the immediately preceding financial year or the 3 months after the end of the immediately preceding financial year, liable to pay any of the levies or charges covered by paragraph 56(a). (2) The Corporation must complete its preparation of the list for the financial year: (a) no sooner than the day on or before which applications from persons seeking to be entered on the list must be received by the Corporation, in accordance with the notice published under subsection 59(1), for the Corporation's annual general meeting in that financial year; and (b) no later than 30 days after that day. (3) The Corporation must not include in the list for the financial year persons whose applications to be entered on the list are received by the Corporation after the day referred to in paragraph (2)(a). (4) The Corporation must not use such a list otherwise than for the purposes of this Division. (5) In this section: person includes a partnership and the trustee or trustees, from time to time, of a trust estate. 58 R&D Corporation to convene annual general meetings (1) Where an R&D Corporation is required by the representative organisation to hold an annual general meeting, the Corporation must cause the meeting to be held in each financial year at a time and place determined by the Corporation. (2) The Corporation must ensure that a period of not more than 15 months elapses between each annual general meeting. 59 Notice of the convening of an annual general meeting (1) An R&D Corporation must, not later than 70 days before the day on which an annual general meeting is to be held in a financial year, cause a notice to be published in the Gazette, and in a newspaper that circulates throughout Australia, specifying: (a) the day, time and place of the meeting; and (b) the day (not being earlier than 14 days after the notice is published) before which applications from persons seeking to be entered on the list referred to in section 57 for the financial year must be received by the Corporation. (2) In addition to publishing a notice under subsection (1), the Corporation: (a) must give copies of the notice to each of its representative organisations; and (b) may cause particulars of the annual general meeting to be made public in such a way as the Corporation determines at any time before the day referred to in paragraph (1)(b). 60 Purpose of annual general meeting The purpose of an R&D Corporation's annual general meeting is to provide an opportunity for those included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57: (a) to consider the most recent annual report of the Corporation; and (b) to receive an address by the Chairperson of the Corporation concerning: (i) the Corporation's performance in the financial year to which the annual report relates; and (ii) the outlook for each designated primary industry sector in relation to the Corporation and the Corporation's intended activities in the following financial year; and (c) to question the directors about any aspect of the Corporation's activities during the financial year to which the annual report relates and any aspect of the Corporation's intended activities; and (d) to debate, and vote upon: (i) any motion relating to a matter within the Corporation's responsibilities other than a matter relating to the amount of any of the levies or charges covered by paragraph 56(a); or (ii) any motion moved on behalf of the Corporation to endorse a recommendation that the Corporation proposes to make to the Minister in relation to the amount of any of the levies or charges covered by paragraph 56(a); or (iii) any motion of no confidence in the Chairperson or in the Corporation. 61 Regulations may provide for certain matters The regulations may make provision with respect to one or more of the following: (a) notifying an R&D Corporation of the terms of any motion proposed to be moved at an annual general meeting by a person included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57; (b) notifying the persons included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57 of: (i) the day, time and place of an annual general meeting of the Corporation; and (ii) the terms of motions proposed to be moved in the meeting; and (iii) other matters relevant to the conducting of the meeting; (c) the appointment of persons to act as proxies of persons included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57 in an annual general meeting and the participation of such proxies in the meeting; (d) the method or methods by which a motion or class of motions is to be taken to have been passed at an annual general meeting of the Corporation; (e) a method: (i) of determining the number of votes that a person included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57 who is entitled to vote at an annual general meeting may cast when voting at such a meeting; and (ii) that has regard to the amount of any of the levies or charges covered by paragraph 56(a) for which the person became liable to pay during, or within 3 months after the end of, the financial year immediately preceding the meeting; (f) the adoption of a procedure relating to voting at annual general meetings that will ensure that amounts of any of the levies or charges covered by paragraph 56(a) for which a person included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57 became liable to pay remains confidential. 62 Conduct of annual general meetings (1) An annual general meeting of an R&D Corporation may be attended by: (a) the directors of the Corporation; and (b) the persons included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57 for the financial year in which the meeting is held; and (c) the members of the executive of each of the Corporation's representative organisations; and (d) persons invited by the Corporation to attend the meeting; and (e) such employees and consultants of the Corporation as the Chairperson determines, having regard to the business of the meeting. (2) The Chairperson must preside at an annual general meeting at which he or she is present. (3) A person included in the list prepared by the Corporation under section 57 for the financial year in which an annual general meeting of the Corporation is held is entitled to vote upon any matter to be determined at the meeting. (4) The Corporation must keep a record of the proceedings of an annual general meeting. 63 Motions of no confidence (1) Where a motion of no confidence in an R&D Corporation or in the Chairperson is moved at an annual general meeting: (a) the person presiding at the meeting must cease to preside until the motion has been voted on; and (b) an employee of the Corporation selected by the Chairperson is to preside. (2) Where a motion of no confidence in the Corporation is passed at the meeting: (a) the office of each of the directors (other than the Executive Director) is to be taken to be vacant for the purposes of Part 4 immediately after the meeting; and (b) the Minister must: (i) within one month after the meeting, by notice published in the Gazette, terminate the appointment of each of the directors (other than the Executive Director) with effect from a day specified in the notice; and (ii) under section 17, appoint a different Chairperson; and (iii) under section 17, appoint persons, in accordance with Part 4, in the place of the nominated directors whose appointments have been so terminated. (3) The fact that a person's appointment as a director has been terminated under subparagraph (2)(b)(i) does not prevent the person being re‑appointed under subparagraph (2)(b)(iii). (4) Where a motion of no confidence in the Chairperson is passed at the meeting, the Minister must: (a) terminate the Chairperson's appointment as soon as possible after the meeting; and (b) within 2 months after the meeting, appoint another person as the Chairperson. 64 Notification of motions passed (1) An R&D Corporation must, within one month after the holding of an annual general meeting, provide to each of its representative organisations a copy of the text of all motions passed at the meeting. Division 8—Provisions relating to directors other than Executive Directors 65 Scope of this Division This Division applies in relation to a director of an R&D Corporation, other than the Executive Director. Note: See Division 9 for provisions applying to the Executive Director. 66 Term of office (1) A director: (a) is to be appointed with effect from the day specified in the instrument of appointment; and (b) holds office, subject to this Act, for such term (not exceeding 3 years) as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re‑appointment in accordance with this Act. (2) If a director ceases to hold office before the end of the term of appointment, another person may, in accordance with this Act, be appointed in the director's place until the end of the term. 67 Directors hold office on part‑time basis Directors hold office on a part‑time basis. 68 Remuneration and allowances of directors (1) A director is to be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but if no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, is to be paid such remuneration as is prescribed. (2) A director is to be paid such allowances as are prescribed. (3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. 69 Terms and conditions of appointment not provided for by Act A director holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not provided for by this Act as are determined, in writing, by the Minister. 70 Outside employment A director must not engage in any paid employment that, in the Minister's opinion, conflicts or may conflict with the proper performance of the director's duties. 71 Leave of absence (1) The Minister may grant leave of absence to the Chairperson on such terms and conditions as the Minister considers appropriate. (2) The Chairperson may grant leave of absence to a nominated director on such terms and conditions as the Chairperson considers appropriate. 72 Resignation (1) A director may resign by written notice signed and delivered to the Minister. (2) The resignation takes effect (unless the director's appointment is sooner terminated): (a) if a date of effect is stated in the notice of resignation—at the end of that day; or (b) in any other case—on the day on which the notice is given. 73 Termination of appointment (1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of the Chairperson or a nominated director: (a) for misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity; or (b) if the Chairperson or nominated director: (i) becomes bankrupt; or (ii) applies to take the benefit of a law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or (iii) compounds with his or her creditors; or (iv) makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of such creditors. Note: The appointment of a Chairperson or a nominated director may also be terminated under section 30 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with terminating the appointment of an accountable authority, or a member of an accountable authority, for contravening general duties of officials). (2) The Minister may terminate the appointment of the Chairperson if the Chairperson is absent, except with the leave of the Minister, from 3 consecutive meetings. (3) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a nominated director of an R&D Corporation if the nominated director is absent, except with the leave of the Chairperson, from 3 consecutive meetings. 74 Deputy Chairperson (1) The Minister must appoint a nominated director as the Deputy Chairperson. (2) The Minister must, before making the appointment, consult with the Chairperson. (3) The Minister may at any time terminate an appointment made under subsection (1). (4) A person appointed as Deputy Chairperson ceases to hold the office if the person ceases to be a nominated director of the Corporation. (5) A person appointed as Deputy Chairperson may resign the office by writing signed by the person and delivered to the Minister. (6) The Deputy Chairperson is to act as the Chairperson: (a) during any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson; or (b) during any period when the Chairperson is unable, for any reason, to perform the duties of the office. Note: For rules that apply to persons acting as the Chairperson, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. (7) The Deputy Chairperson has, when acting as Chairperson, all the powers, duties, rights and entitlements of the Chairperson. Division 9—Executive Director 75 Executive Director Each R&D Corporation is to have an Executive Director. 76 Duties (1) The Executive Director is to conduct the affairs of the Corporation. (2) In conducting the affairs of the Corporation, the Executive Director is to act in accordance with any policies determined by, and any directives given by, the Corporation. (3) All acts and things done in the name of, or on behalf of, the Corporation by the Executive Director are to be taken to have been done by the Corporation. 77 Appointment (1) The Executive Director is to be appointed by the Corporation. (2) The Chairperson or a nominated director must not be appointed as the Executive Director. (3) A person who is a member of the executive of a representative organisation of the Corporation must not be appointed as the Executive Director. (4) If the Executive Director becomes a member of the executive of a representative organisation of the Corporation, he or she ceases to hold office as the Executive Director. (6) The appointment of a person as Executive Director is not invalid because of a defect or irregularity in connection with the person's appointment. 78 Term of appointment etc. (1) The Executive Director: (a) is to be appointed with effect from the day specified in the instrument of appointment; and (b) holds office during the Corporation's pleasure. 79 Executive Director holds office on full‑time or part‑time basis The Executive Director holds office on a full‑time basis or on a part‑time basis, as specified in the instrument of appointment. 80 Executive Director not to engage in other paid employment The Executive Director must not: (a) if the Executive Director holds office on a full‑time basis—engage in paid employment outside the duties of the office without the Corporation's approval; or (b) if the Executive Director holds office on a part‑time basis—engage in paid employment that, in the Corporation's opinion, conflicts or may conflict with the proper performance of the Executive Director's duties. 81 Terms and conditions of appointment The Executive Director is to be appointed on such terms and conditions, including remuneration and allowances, as are determined, in writing, by the Corporation. 82 Leave of absence The Chairperson may grant leave of absence to the Executive Director on such terms and conditions, as to remuneration or otherwise, as are determined, in writing, by the Corporation. 83 Resignation (1) The Executive Director may resign by written notice signed and delivered to the Chairperson. (2) The resignation takes effect (unless the Executive Director's appointment is sooner terminated): (a) if a date of effect is stated in the notice of resignation—at the end of that day; or (b) in any other case—on the day on which the notice is given. 85 Acting Executive Director (1) The Corporation may appoint a person (other than a director) to act as Executive Director: (a) during a vacancy in the office of Executive Director; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Executive Director is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the duties of the office. Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. (2) The appointment of a person under subsection (1) ceases to have effect if the person resigns the appointment by writing delivered to the Chairperson. 86 Exclusion of Executive Director etc. from certain deliberations (1) The Executive Director of an R&D Corporation must not be present during any deliberation of, or take part in any decision of, the Corporation or a committee of the Corporation with respect to: (a) the appointment of a person as Executive Director; or (b) the determination or application of any terms and conditions on which a person appointed as Executive Director holds office or may be granted leave; or (c) the termination of the appointment of the Executive Director; or (d) the giving or refusing of approval for the Executive Director to engage in paid employment outside the duties of the office. (2) A person appointed to act as Executive Director of an R&D Corporation must not be present during any deliberation of, or take part in any decision of, the Corporation or a committee of the Corporation with respect to: (a) the appointment of a person as Executive Director or to act as Executive Director; or (b) the determination or application of any terms and conditions on which the Executive Director, or a person appointed to act as Executive Director, holds office or may be granted leave; or (c) the termination of the appointment of the person or the Executive Director; or (d) the giving or refusing of approval for the Executive Director, or a person acting as Executive Director, to engage in paid employment ou