The National Wine Centre Act 1997 (the Act) established the National Wine Centre (the Centre), and is responsible for a range of functions including, the promotion and development of the Australian wine industry and the management of a wine exhibition.
Under the Act a Board was established to govern the Centre and was subject to the control and direction of the Minister. The Board included representation from the Australian wine industry.
The Centre facility was opened in early October 2001.
The Centre experienced financial difficulties from commencement of operations necessitating government funding commitment beyond that initially envisaged at the time of enactment of the Act.
In the latter part of 2001-02, the Government in conjunction with the wine industry looked to restructure the operational and financial arrangements of the Centre, with the view to the wine industry having a more direct role in the operations of the Centre facility and the Government limiting its financial exposure.
On 4 July 2002, the Governor formally dissolved the Centre Board in accordance with section 9 of the Act. On dissolution of the Board the Minister became the governing authority of the Centre pursuant to section 19 of the Act.
On 1 August 2002 the Governor assented to the National Wine Centre (Restructuring and Leasing Arrangements) Act 2002.
This Act, on operation, will repeal the National Wine Centre Act 1997. It will also dissolve the Centre and all of its assets and liabilities will vest in the Minister. The Act makes provisions for the Minister to lease Centre land and to deal with other assets and liabilities by agreement with any person or body. This allows for the transfer of control of the Centre facility to a party or entity external to government. This lease transfer type arrangement is presently being negotiated with the Winemakers Federation of Australia.
The National Wine Centre was unable to finalise its financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2002 in sufficient time to enable the audit to be completed at the date of finalisation of this Report.
The audited financial statements of the Centre for the year ended 30 June 2002 will be included in a Supplementary Audit Report to Parliament.