Acts Interpretation (Acting Arrangements in the Climate Change and Energy Portfolio) Authorisation 2024

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Acting Arrangements in the Climate Change and Energy Portfolio) Authorisation 2024I, enacted in 2024, is a notifiable instrument that addresses the need for continuity in the performance of ministerial duties within the Climate Change and Energy portfolio. Authorised by Chris Bowen, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, this instrument allows the Minister for Industry and Science to act on his behalf for specific functions and duties related to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011, particularly in the context of the Battery Breakthrough Initiative grant program. The primary objective of this authorisation is to ensure that the administration of the grant program remains uninterrupted, thereby maintaining the momentum of Australia's renewable energy initiatives. This authorisation takes effect immediately upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislation, as per the provision within the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Acting Arrangements in the Climate Change and Energy Portfolio) Authorisation 2024I applies to the Minister for Industry and Science, who is authorised to act on behalf of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy in specific functions and duties under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011. This authorisation pertains to the Battery Breakthrough Initiative grant program, as detailed in Schedule 1 to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (General Funding Strategy) Approval 2024. The instrument enables the Minister for Industry and Science to perform these functions and duties in relation to the grant program, ensuring continuity and compliance with the legislative framework governing renewable energy initiatives in Australia. The authorisation is geographically and jurisdictionally limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, with no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text. The instrument commences at the start of the day following its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Acts Interpretation (Acting Arrangements in the Climate Change and Energy Portfolio) Authorisation 2024I (F2024N01116) provide the Minister for Industry and Science with the authority to perform specific functions and duties under sections 11, 12, and 25 of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011, specifically concerning the Battery Breakthrough Initiative grant program. This authorisation is given under the authority of paragraph 34AAB(1)(a) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. The authorisation takes effect from the day after its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. The obligations imposed by this Act on the relevant parties primarily concern the delegation of authority and the implementation of the Battery Breakthrough Initiative grant program. The Minister for Industry and Science is tasked with ensuring that the grant program is administered in accordance with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011. This includes the allocation of funds, the assessment of grant applications, and the oversight of project progress and reporting. Under this authorisation, there are no specific offences or penalties outlined in the text of the Act itself. However, breaches of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011 or any related regulations could lead to legal consequences, including fines or other penalties. For instance, section 11 of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011 might outline penalties for improper use of funds or failure to meet reporting requirements, and section 25 could specify sanctions for non-compliance with project milestones or deliverables. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts and would depend on the nature and severity of the breach. It is important for the Minister for Industry and Science to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to avoid any potential legal repercussions.