Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Social Services Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 10) 2023

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Social Services Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 10) 2023I was enacted in 2023 to address the need for clear delegation of authority within the Social Services Portfolio. Authorised by the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Small Business, the instrument empowers the Hon Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services, to act on behalf of the Minister in relation to specific functions and duties concerning social housing, rent assistance, and homelessness. The objective of this authorisation is to ensure continuity in the administration and policy implementation within the Department of Social Services, particularly during periods when the primary minister is unable to perform their duties. This instrument, which commenced on 17 September 2023 and concluded on 24 September 2023, is a necessary measure to maintain the effective governance and delivery of social services.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Social Services Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 10) 2023I pertains to the delegation of authority within the Social Services Portfolio of the Australian Government, specifically concerning the functions, duties, and powers of the Hon Julie Collins MP, who holds the positions of Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Small Business. This authorisation allows the Hon Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Social Services, to act on behalf of the Hon Julie Collins MP in relation to specific Acts or provisions of Acts that deal with social housing, rent assistance, and homelessness. This instrument is a temporary measure, commencing on 17 September 2023 and ending on 24 September 2023. It is enacted under the authority of subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and serves to facilitate the smooth operation of the Department of Social Services during the authorised period.

Key Provisions

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Social Services Portfolio) Authorisation (No. 10) 2023I outlines a temporary delegation of authority from the Hon Julie Collins MP, who holds multiple ministerial roles including Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Small Business, to the Hon Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services. This delegation pertains specifically to the functions and duties, as well as the powers, related to social housing, rent assistance, and homelessness as detailed in the relevant part of the Schedule to the Administrative Arrangements Order relating to the Department of Social Services (subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901). The authorisation is effective from 17 September 2023 and terminates on 24 September 2023. Under this authorisation, the Hon Amanda Rishworth is empowered to act on behalf of the Hon Julie Collins MP in matters concerning social housing, rent assistance, and homelessness. This includes the ability to perform duties, exercise powers, and make decisions that would normally fall under the purview of the Hon Julie Collins MP. The specific scope of these powers is limited to the areas of social housing, rent assistance, and homelessness, as defined within the administrative arrangements related to the Department of Social Services. The primary obligation imposed by this legislation is the delegation of specific ministerial functions and powers from the Hon Julie Collins MP to the Hon Amanda Rishworth. The delegation is narrowly tailored to the aforementioned areas, ensuring that the authority exercised by the Hon Amanda Rishworth remains within the boundaries of her new responsibilities. This arrangement is intended to maintain continuity and efficiency in the management of these critical social services during the specified period. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in the authorisation itself for breaches of the delegation terms. However, any actions taken by the Hon Amanda Rishworth under this authorisation must still comply with all existing legislative requirements, including those related to social housing, rent assistance, and homelessness. Failure to adhere to these requirements could potentially result in legal consequences under the broader legislation governing these areas. The authorisation is a formal mechanism to ensure that ministerial duties are carried out effectively without interruption.