Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025 is a legislative instrument introduced to streamline the administrative processes within the resources portfolio by allowing the delegation of certain powers and functions to another minister during a specified period. Enacted in 2025, this instrument addresses the need for efficient and uninterrupted governance within the ministerial responsibilities related to resources, especially during transitional periods or when the primary minister is temporarily unavailable. Authorised by the Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, this authorisation empowers the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, to exercise Madeleine King's powers and functions from 15 January 2025 until 30 January 2025, thereby ensuring continuity in the management of the resources portfolio. This authorisation is made under the authority of sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, with the clear policy objective of facilitating seamless ministerial transitions and maintaining the operational efficiency of the resources sector. The instrument commences on 15 January 2025 and will be repealed at the end of 30 January 2025, reflecting a temporary arrangement designed to address immediate administrative needs without permanent alteration to the ministerial structure.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025, executed by the Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, provides for the delegation of specified powers and functions to the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, for a limited period. This authorisation is under sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, facilitating the seamless exercise of the authorised functions within the Resources Portfolio during the authorised period. The authorisation is effective from 15 January 2025 until 30 January 2025, and any powers exercised during this period are deemed to have been exercised by the Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia. This arrangement ensures continuity in the administration of relevant laws and policies within the specified timeframe.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 1) 2025 involve the authorisation of a minister to exercise specific powers and functions on behalf of another minister. Specifically, section 1 of the instrument authorises the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, to exercise all powers and functions of the Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, during a specified period. This authorisation is made in accordance with sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, and other relevant powers enabling such an arrangement. Under this authorisation, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP is required to perform all duties, responsibilities, and tasks that the Hon Madeleine King MP would ordinarily undertake as Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia. This includes any powers and functions conferred upon the latter by any law of the Commonwealth, thereby ensuring continuity of governance and policy implementation during the designated period. The instrument delineates the commencement date as Wednesday, 15 January 2025, and the cessation of the authorisation as the end of Thursday, 30 January 2025. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved. The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP must exercise the authorised powers and functions diligently and in accordance with the law. This includes making decisions, issuing directives, and performing any ministerial duties as though she were the substantive minister. Additionally, she is required to maintain the integrity and continuity of the ministerial portfolio, ensuring that no disruption occurs in the execution of government policies or legislative responsibilities during the period of authorisation. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined for breach of this authorisation in the instrument itself. However, any failure to adhere to the legal mandates or misuse of the authorised powers could potentially lead to broader legal repercussions under the relevant statutes or ministerial codes of conduct. The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP’s actions must comply with all applicable laws and ministerial guidelines to avoid any legal or administrative consequences.