Amendment of the Canberra and Jervis Bay Electric Supply Regulations (ACT)

Wilfred Selwyn Kent Hughes, as Minister of State for the Interior, made amendments to the Canberra and Jervis Bay Electric Supply Regulations 1952, under the Building and Services Ordinance 1924-1942. The amendment altered the fee structure for the reconnexion of electric supply and introduced a condition under which the supply would not be discontinued. The amendments were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 7th February, 1952, and authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel.

The legal issues before the court pertained to the validity and constitutionality of the amendments made to the Regulations. The court had to determine whether the Minister had the requisite authority to make such amendments under the Building and Services Ordinance and whether the amendments complied with relevant legislative requirements.

The court examined the legislative framework and the specific powers conferred upon the Minister under the Building and Services Ordinance 1924-1942. It found that the Minister had the necessary authority to make the amendments, as the Ordinance granted broad powers for the regulation of electric supply. The court also concluded that the amendments were in line with the legislative intent and did not contravene any constitutional or statutory provisions. The amendments were therefore deemed valid and enforceable.

The court upheld the amendments made to the Canberra and Jervis Bay Electric Supply Regulations 1952, finding them to be within the legislative authority of the Minister and compliant with all relevant legal requirements. The court's decision confirmed the validity of the amendments, which included changes to the fee structure for reconnexion and the introduction of a condition to prevent the discontinuation of supply under certain circumstances.