Acts Interpretations (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 02) 2025

Overview

The Acts Interpretations (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 02) 2025 is a notifiable instrument introduced to streamline ministerial duties and ensure continuity of governance within the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government portfolios. Enacted by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine Fiona King, this authorisation was necessitated to address potential gaps in ministerial oversight that could arise from temporary absences or reassignments. Authorising Murray Patrick Watt, the Minister for the Environment and Water, to exercise certain powers and functions on her behalf, the policy objective is to maintain the smooth operation of government services and legislative responsibilities during her absence. The instrument is effective from 11 September 2025 until the end of 19 September 2025, reflecting a specific and limited timeframe to manage the delegation of authority.

Scope and Application

The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 02) 2025 serves to delegate specific powers and functions from the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to the Minister for the Environment and Water. This authorisation is made under the authority of sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, enabling the transfer of powers for a defined period. The authorisation specifically applies to the person of Murray Patrick Watt, as the Minister for the Environment and Water, who is thereby granted the ability to exercise the powers and functions of Catherine Fiona King, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, during the period from 11 September 2025 until 19 September 2025. This delegation includes any powers and functions conferred by any law of the Commonwealth, ensuring a seamless transfer of responsibilities during the specified timeframe. The scope of this authorisation is narrowly focused on the delegation of ministerial powers within the Commonwealth framework and does not extend to any other areas of law or administration outside the specified ministerial functions.

Key Provisions

The F2025N00722 Notifiable Instrument (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 02) 2025, signed by CATHERINE FIONA KING, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, outlines the authorisation for MURRAY PATRICK WATT, Minister for the Environment and Water, to exercise specified powers and functions on behalf of the former Minister. The authorisation is provided under sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, and any other relevant powers enabling such delegation (Section 1). This authorisation specifically applies to the portfolios of Infrastructure and Transport, as well as Regional Australia and Local Government. The instrument is effective from 11 September 2025 until it ceases on 19 September 2025 (Section 2). Under this authorisation, MURRAY PATRICK WATT is permitted to exercise all powers and functions that would normally be exercised by CATHERINE FIONA KING in her capacity as Minister for the specified portfolios. This includes any powers and functions conferred upon CATHERINE FIONA KING by any Commonwealth law (Section 1). The authorisation ensures that MURRAY PATRICK WATT can act effectively in the absence of the primary Minister, maintaining the continuity of governance and policy implementation within the designated areas. The Act imposes specific obligations on MURRAY PATRICK WATT to faithfully and diligently exercise the powers and functions authorised. He must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing the portfolios of Infrastructure and Transport, Regional Australia, and Local Government. Additionally, he is required to ensure that all actions taken are in line with the policy objectives and directives set forth by the primary Minister and the overarching government agenda. MURRAY PATRICK WATT must also maintain proper records and documentation of all actions taken under this authorisation to facilitate accountability and transparency. Failure to comply with the obligations outlined in the authorisation may result in various consequences. Breaches of the Act can lead to civil and criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance. For instance, wilful or negligent actions that result in harm to individuals or entities could lead to criminal charges, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment as prescribed by law. The specific penalties for such breaches are not detailed in the instrument but would be governed by relevant statutes and judicial precedents. It is essential that MURRAY PATRICK WATT exercises due diligence and adheres strictly to the provisions of the authorisation to avoid any legal repercussions.