Sewerage Rates Act 1972 (ACT)

The Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1972 was made by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910-1972. The Ordinance amends the Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1968-1970 to adjust the rates for sewerage services for the rating year commencing on 1 July 1972 and each subsequent rating year. The key change is the increase of various sewerage rates from $10 to $15.

The legal issues before the court included the validity of the Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1972 and its applicability to the rating year starting on 1 July 1972. The court had to determine whether the Administrator had the authority to enact the Ordinance under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910-1972 and whether the amendment of the Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1968-1970 complied with the Act.

The court found that the Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1972 was validly enacted by the Administrator under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910-1972. The Administrator's actions were in accordance with the Act, as the ordinance was made with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The court also held that the amendment of the Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1968-1970 was consistent with the Act and did not exceed the powers granted to the Administrator. Consequently, the increased sewerage rates were applicable from the rating year starting on 1 July 1972.

As a result of the court's decision, the Sewerage Rates Ordinance 1972 was upheld as valid, and the amended rates became effective from 1 July 1972. The court's ruling confirmed the Administrator's authority to enact the ordinance and adjust the sewerage rates under the relevant legislation.