Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 6) 2025

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 6) 2025, enacted in 2025, was introduced to address the need for flexible and efficient ministerial arrangements within the Resources Portfolio. This notifiable instrument, signed by the Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, aims to streamline the delegation of powers and functions among ministers, ensuring continuity and effective governance. Authorised under sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, the instrument allows Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, to act on behalf of the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia during a specified period from 13 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. This measure is designed to maintain operational efficiency and address any potential gaps in ministerial responsibilities during the transition or absence of the primary minister.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 6) 2025 pertains to the delegation of specific powers and functions of the Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King, to Senator Tim Ayres, who serves as the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science. This authorisation is effective from 13 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, during which Senator Ayres will exercise the powers and functions conferred upon Minister King by any Commonwealth law. This includes powers derived from the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and any other enabling legislation. The scope of the authorisation is confined to the period specified and does not extend beyond the cessation date unless otherwise extended by a subsequent instrument. This delegation is crucial for ensuring continuity in the administration and management of the resources portfolio within the stipulated timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Resources Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 6) 2025 outlines a temporary delegation of powers from one minister to another, specifically from the Hon. Madeleine King to Senator the Hon. Tim Ayres. Under section 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, the authorisation allows Senator Ayres to exercise all powers and functions that the Hon. Madeleine King holds, including those conferred by any Commonwealth law, on her behalf. This delegation is effective from Saturday, 13 December 2025, and will cease at the end of Sunday, 4 January 2026. The authorisation imposes specific obligations on both ministers involved. The Hon. Madeleine King, as the delegating minister, must ensure that all powers and functions she possesses are effectively transferred to Senator Tim Ayres, who will then act on her behalf within the specified timeframe. Senator Tim Ayres, as the delegate, is obligated to exercise the powers and functions with due diligence and in accordance with the law. Both ministers must adhere to their respective roles and responsibilities during the period of the authorisation. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences outlined in the authorisation itself for failing to comply with the terms of the delegation. However, any breach of the obligations imposed by the delegation could potentially result in legal consequences under the relevant laws that confer the powers being delegated. The maximum penalties for such breaches would depend on the specific laws under which the powers were exercised or neglected. Overall, this authorisation ensures a smooth transfer of ministerial responsibilities from the Hon. Madeleine King to Senator Tim Ayres for the specified period, allowing for continued governance and administration within the resources portfolio during a temporary vacancy or other ministerial arrangements.