Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Home Affairs Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 8) 2024

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Home Affairs Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 8) 2024I, enacted by Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, under the authority of subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, revokes the preceding authorisation (No. 7) issued in 2024. This notifiable instrument aims to streamline the administrative arrangements for the Home Affairs portfolio, ensuring efficient and effective governance within the ministerial framework. The revocation of the previous authorisation reflects an updated approach to the delegation of powers and responsibilities, aligning with current operational needs and policy objectives. This instrument is set to commence immediately after it is signed, underscoring the urgency and importance of the changes being implemented.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Home Affairs Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 8) 2024I authorises Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, to act in specific capacities under the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. This authorisation specifically revokes the previous Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Home Affairs Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 7) 2024, thereby updating the ministerial arrangements within the Home Affairs Portfolio. The authorisation is immediate upon signing, indicating the urgency and importance of ensuring that the Minister's acting arrangements are current and correctly aligned with legislative requirements. This change is limited to the scope of the Home Affairs Portfolio and does not extend beyond the provisions outlined in the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Key Provisions

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Home Affairs Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 8) 2024I, signed by Clare O’Neil, the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, primarily serves to revoke a previous authorisation (No. 7) issued in the same year (subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901). This revocation comes into effect immediately after the instrument is signed (subsection 34AAB(4) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901). The legislation provides clarity on the authority and responsibilities within the Home Affairs Portfolio by updating the authorisation arrangements, ensuring that ministerial powers are exercised in accordance with current legislative requirements. The Act imposes specific obligations on the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Cyber Security, who are authorised to act under the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. These obligations include ensuring that their actions align with the legislative framework and that any acting arrangements are appropriately authorised and documented. This requirement is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in the governance of the Home Affairs Portfolio. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act may result in legal consequences, although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within this particular instrument. Typically, breaches of authorisation and acting arrangements could lead to civil or criminal proceedings, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The maximum penalties for such breaches could vary, but they generally include fines and potential disqualification from office, depending on the context and the specific provisions of the relevant legislation.