GTA, which is a member of the Department of Agriculture Grain and Plant Product Export Industry Consultative Committee, said it’s a tribute to the transparency and efficiency of the new systems.

“A few years ago the industry reviewed and modelled the fees being paid along the supply chain for export certification and established a clearer picture of where the costs were incurred,” said GTA Chief Executive Officer Geoff Honey. “Coupled with record shipping programs, this allowed a 25% reduction in fees overall, which came into effect in May this year. However, on top of this, there are currently surplus funds held within the grain export program of the department’s biosecurity program, and this has led to the refund.”

Tonnage and establishment registration charges paid in 2012-13 will be refunded in full, with processing to be complete by June 30.

Honey said the Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce is to be congratulated in responding in such a timely and responsive manner.

“The Grain Export Certification Reform Program provided detailed financial modelling showing exactly where costs are borne and therefore cost recovery is needed. The industry and government have worked together to implement the findings, and to increase the flexibility of the biosecurity inspection and certification program,” Honey said. “This included the introduction of authorized officers that allow inspections at a time more suited to exporters. The transparency of the new system also means we have a clear understanding of who paid fees, and how much, which means providing a refund will be relatively simple.”