Sugar Cane Growers Council questions independence of Sugar Industry Tribunal

The independence of the Sugar Industry Tribunal under the Reform of Sugar Cane Industry Bill has been questioned by the Sugar Cane Growers Council.

In a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, the Sugarcane Growers Council said the bill would challenge some of the independent decisions that are made by the Sugar Industry Tribunal.

The Council’s In-House Solicitor Thomson Lee said that section 60 of the bill would not allow the tribunal to make independent decisions when solving disputes.

Section 60 part 2 of the Reform of Sugar Cane Industry Bill states that where there is any question or difference as to whether a dispute exists, the Permanent Secretary for Sugar may refer the matter to the Tribunal for determination.

Lee believes the tribunal should be solely responsible for determining whether a dispute exists.

Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Sundresh Chetty has also requested the committee to align the bill with a report done by their consultant Steve Ratuva on the Master Award.

Chairperson of the committee Lorna Eden said they would need to seek clarification from the Solicitor General’s Office on the issues raised by the council.

She has also requested for a copy of the Ratuva report.

The Reform of Sugar Cane Industry and Sugar Cane Growers Fund (Amendment) Bill will be submitted to parliament after the consultations.