What is it and where does it go?
Transaction levies are compulsory levies charged on the sale of livestock (cattle, sheep and goats). The money raised is invested on behalf of each industry to assist in their individual and common research and development, marketing and market access activities and needs. Meat &Livestock Australia (MLA), as one of 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations, is primarily funded by these transaction levies.
The Federal Government also contributes a dollar for each dollar we spend specifically in research and development (R&D) initiatives (not marketing). This is supplemented by co-operative contributions from individual processors, wholesalers, foodservice operators and retailers. Processors and live animal exporters pay levies under contract to MLA.
Who sets and collects the transaction levies?
Changes to levies are generally initiated by each industry’s Peak Council, following consultation with industry, and implemented and collected by the Federal Government. The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) is the goat industry Peak Council.
Who receives transaction levies?
Income from the levies are apportioned amongst Animal Health Australia, the Australian National Residue Survey and MLA.
How much are the transaction levies?
Transaction levies are different for each species. The goat transaction levy is 37.7c per head.
How do I know what levies I have been charged?
The levies charged on livestock sales are shown on your agent’s or processor’s sale receipts. The transaction levy is payable by the seller each time goats are sold.
Need more information?
For further details, including information on how the levy is collected and who should be collecting the levy, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website or contact your local Levies and Revenue Service office:
- Central office (Canberra): 1800 020 619
- NSW/ACT: 1800 625 103
- QLD: 1800 647 801
- SA/NT: 1800 814 961
- VIC/TAS: 1800 683 839
- WA: 1800 895 506