Commonwealth Motor Omnibus Fares Regulations (ACT)

The case involves the Commonwealth Motor Omnibus Fares Regulations which were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 11 February 1966 and commenced on 14 February 1966. These regulations were made under the Commonwealth Motor Omnibus Services Ordinance 1955-1964 and involved significant changes to the fare structure for children travelling by omnibus. The regulations provided for reduced fares for children, especially those travelling to or from school or church services.

The central legal issue before the court was whether the changes to the fare structure for children as outlined in the new regulations were valid and consistent with the powers granted under the Ordinance. Specifically, the court had to determine if the method of calculating the reduced fares for children, including those travelling to or from Sunday-school or church services and school children, was properly authorised by the Ordinance. Additionally, the court needed to assess whether the amendments to the fare schedule and the replacement of the old schedule with a new one were within the scope of the Ordinance's provisions.

The court examined the language of the Ordinance and the specific provisions related to fare regulations. It determined that the changes to the fare structure for children were consistent with the powers granted under the Ordinance. The court found that the method of calculating reduced fares, including the specific rates for journeys to or from school or church services, was within the regulatory framework provided by the Ordinance. Furthermore, the amendments to the fare schedule and the replacement of the old schedule with a new one were deemed to be valid as they fell within the scope of the powers granted by the Ordinance.

In conclusion, the court upheld the validity of the Commonwealth Motor Omnibus Fares Regulations, confirming that the changes to the fare structure for children were properly authorised under the Commonwealth Motor Omnibus Services Ordinance 1955-1964. The new regulations, including the reduced fares for children and the updated fare schedule, were deemed to be in compliance with the Ordinance.