Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Communications Portfolio and Sport Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Communications Portfolio and Sport Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025, enacted on 11 June 2025, was introduced to address the administrative need for seamless ministerial acting arrangements within the Communications and Sport portfolios during the specified period. Authorised by Anika Shay Wells, the Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, this notifiable instrument allows Amanda Louise Rishworth, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, to exercise all powers and functions of the enacting minister, including those conferred by any Commonwealth law. The policy objective of this authorisation is to ensure that the responsibilities and duties associated with the Communications and Sport portfolios are maintained effectively during the authorised period, preventing any potential disruptions in governance and service delivery. The instrument is set to commence on 7 July 2025 and will be repealed at the end of 20 July 2025, thereby providing a clear and temporary framework for the ministerial acting arrangement.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Communications Portfolio and Sport Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025 provides specific authorisation for the delegation of powers and functions related to the Communications and Sport portfolios to another minister, Amanda Louise Risworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. This authorisation is given in accordance with the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, enabling Minister Risworth to exercise the powers and functions of Ministers Wells on her behalf during a specified period from 7 July 2025 until the repeal of this instrument at the end of 20 July 2025. This arrangement ensures continuity in the governance and administration of policies and legislation pertinent to the Communications and Sport sectors during the authorised period. The jurisdictional reach of this authorisation is confined to the Commonwealth level, impacting federal legislative and administrative actions within these portfolios.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Communications Portfolio and Sport Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025 include the authorisation of Amanda Louise Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, to exercise all powers and functions of the Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Shay Wells, from 7 July 2025 until 20 July 2025 (section 1). This authorisation is granted under the authority of sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, as well as any other enabling powers. This arrangement ensures that Anika Shay Wells' responsibilities are temporarily transferred to Amanda Louise Rishworth during a specified period. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily centred on the delegation of powers and functions from one minister to another. Anika Shay Wells, as the Minister for Communications and Sport, must ensure that Amanda Louise Rishworth is fully informed and equipped to carry out all the duties and responsibilities associated with the portfolios during the period of authorisation. Additionally, Amanda Louise Rishworth is obligated to exercise these powers diligently and in accordance with the laws governing the portfolios. Transparency and clear communication between the two ministers are essential to maintain the smooth operation of these portfolios during the authorisation period. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences outlined in this instrument for its breach. The authorisation is a formal delegation of powers and does not create new criminal or civil liabilities. However, any failure by Amanda Louise Rishworth to properly exercise the powers and functions could potentially lead to administrative or political consequences, such as a review or inquiry into the handling of ministerial duties. The primary focus of the Act is on the procedural validity of the delegation, rather than on punitive measures for non-compliance.