Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 4) 2025

Overview

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 4) 2025 was enacted to address the need for a temporary delegation of powers and functions for the Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State, Senator Don Farrell, during a specified period. This instrument, which was authorised under the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, allows Senator Don Farrell to delegate his powers and functions to the Hon Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, for the duration from 28 June 2025 to 18 July 2025. The objective of this authorisation is to ensure continuity of government operations and ministerial responsibilities in the interim period, thereby preventing any lapse in governance. This legislative instrument is issued by the Parliament of Australia, reflecting its role in facilitating the necessary administrative adjustments within the executive branch.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 4) 2025, applies specifically to the Minister for Trade and Tourism and the Special Minister of State, Senator Don Farrell, who is delegating certain powers and functions to the Hon Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. This delegation is authorised under sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, and the instrument itself grants Amanda Rishworth the authority to exercise these powers and functions on behalf of Senator Farrell during the specified period of 28 June 2025 to 18 July 2025. The scope of this authorisation encompasses all powers and functions conferred by any Commonwealth law applicable to the roles of Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State. The instrument is limited to the geographic jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and does not extend beyond this jurisdictional reach. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined in the authorisation; however, the authority granted could be further defined or limited through subordinate instruments that may be issued under the relevant laws.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 4) 2025 (the "Instrument") are sections 1 and 2. Section 1 (1) authorises the Hon Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, to exercise all powers and functions of Senator Don Farrell, the Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State, on his behalf. This authorisation is effective from the commencement date specified in section 2 (1), which is Saturday 28 June 2025. The Instrument is repealed at the end of Friday 18 July 2025, as stated in section 2 (2). The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved. Senator Don Farrell, the Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State, must ensure that the authorisation is exercised within the scope of the powers and functions conferred by any Commonwealth law. The Hon Amanda Rishworth, as the authorised person, must exercise these powers and functions in accordance with the law and in the best interests of the Commonwealth. Both parties must adhere to any conditions or limitations specified in the authorisation or by any relevant legislation. The Instrument does not explicitly outline any offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches of its provisions. However, breaches of the underlying Acts Interpretation Act 1901 or any other Commonwealth law that Senator Don Farrell's powers and functions are subject to, could result in civil or criminal penalties. For instance, misuse of ministerial powers could lead to disciplinary action, fines, or imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The specific penalties would be determined by the relevant legislation governing the misuse of powers.