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Issuing a subpoena to MLA

Last updated: September 2026

Meat & Livestock Australia Limited (ABN 39 081 678 364 / ACN 081 678 364) (MLA) is the declared industry marketing and research body for the Australian red meat and livestock industry, responsible for delivering research, development, adoption, marketing, market insights and market access activities for the sector.

MLA provides the following general guidance to assist parties intending to serve a subpoena on MLA. This information is provided for general information only, is not legal advice and does not waive any rights, privileges or objections available to MLA.

From time to time, MLA receives subpoenas issued from a range of Australian jurisdictions. Issuing parties are responsible for complying with the rules of the issuing court.

Before issuing a subpoena

Before serving a subpoena, confirm you have the correct entity. MLA handles subpoenas relating to its research, development and adoption activities, as well as its marketing, market insights and market access activities. Subpoenas relating to the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program should be directed to Integrity Systems (contact details available on Integrity Systems website).

Subpoena enquiries

Operational and procedural enquiries should be directed to MLA Legal:

Early engagement is encouraged and may assist both MLA and the issuing party to:

  • understand the nature and scope of the request;
  • confirm whether the requested material is likely to exist;
  • identify any anticipated issues with scope, format or timing; and
  • enable MLA to provide indicative cost estimates and processing timeframes.

Any early engagement is on a without prejudice basis and does not limit either party's rights. Contacting MLA does not waive or vary formal service requirements, and any disclosure is subject to valid service and the rules of the issuing court.

Conduct money and compliance costs

A reasonable amount of conduct money must be provided with the subpoena in accordance with the rules of the issuing court. Cheques should be made payable to “Meat & Livestock Australia Limited”. Electronic funds transfer payment details can be provided on request.

MLA requires reimbursement of its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in complying with a subpoena.

MLA reasonable costs of complying with a subpoena are charged at $200 + GST per hour for time spent searching for, extracting, compiling, reviewing and producing material. Where physical production is required, printing, postage and handling costs are payable in addition. Costs are assessed having regard to the scope, volume and complexity of the request. The rates set out above apply from the "Last updated" date and are reviewed periodically.

On request, MLA may provide an estimate of likely compliance costs prior to commencing work. MLA may require payment of estimated compliance costs before commencing work or producing material.

Privacy and confidentiality

MLA will only disclose personal, sensitive or confidential information in response to a valid subpoena or other lawful authority.

Where a subpoena seeks information that is sensitive, commercially confidential or that affects third parties, MLA may (amongst other things) notify the issuing party of confidentiality or sensitivity concerns and/or object to production in accordance with the rules of the issuing court.

Grounds for objection or scope limitation

MLA reserves the right to object to, seek to vary, or not comply with subpoenas that, without limitation:

  • are not properly addressed or served;
  • do not allow reasonable time for compliance;
  • request irrelevant materials;
  • seek material not in MLA’s possession, custody or control;
  • contain terms that are overly broad, vague or unclear;
  • would impose an oppressive or disproportionate burden on MLA having regard to the scope of the request;
  • would require disclosure of material subject to confidentiality obligations;
  • are issued for an improper purpose; or
  • request privileged material.

Updates to this guidance

This guidance is updated from time to time. The version identified by the "Last updated" date above supersedes all prior versions.