Acts Interpretations (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 03) 2025
I, CATHERINE FIONA KING, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, acting in accordance with sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, and all other powers thereunto enabling, as the case requires, hereby authorise JULIE MAREE COLLINS, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to exercise, on my behalf, all my powers and functions, including powers and functions conferred on me by any law of the Commonwealth.
This instrument commences on 20 September 2025 and ceases to have effect at the end of 25 September 2025.
Dated 28/08/2025
Catherine King
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Overview
The Acts Interpretations (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 03) 2025 was enacted to address the need for flexibility and continuity in the management of ministerial responsibilities within the specified portfolios. Authorised under the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, this instrument allows the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine Fiona King, to delegate her powers and functions to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Maree Collins, for a specified period. The policy objective of this authorisation is to ensure that critical governmental functions are not interrupted due to the absence or temporary unavailability of the primary minister. This legislative instrument, which commences on 20 September 2025 and ceases on 25 September 2025, is a strategic measure to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental operations within the designated portfolios.
Scope and Application
The Acts Interpretation (Ministerial Acting Arrangements for the Infrastructure and Transport; and Regional Australia and Local Government Portfolios) Authorisation (No. 03) 2025 authorises Julie Maree Collins, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to exercise the powers and functions of Catherine Fiona King, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, from 20 September 2025 until the end of 25 September 2025. This authorisation encompasses all powers and functions conferred upon Catherine King by any law of the Commonwealth, thereby allowing Julie Maree Collins to act in Catherine King’s capacity during the specified period. This arrangement is intended to ensure continuity of ministerial responsibilities and the effective administration of the relevant portfolios during a temporary transfer of authority. The instrument does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, nor does it extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments within the scope provided.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this legislation (section 1) allow for the delegation of specific powers and functions of the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This delegation is set out in clear terms, granting Julie Maree Collins the authority to act on behalf of Catherine Fiona King during a specified period. The authorisation is grounded in sections 19 and 34AAB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, ensuring a legal basis for the delegation. This authorisation includes all powers and functions conferred on Catherine Fiona King by any Commonwealth law.
The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily centred around the delegation of authority. Catherine Fiona King, as the delegating Minister, must ensure that Julie Maree Collins is adequately informed and capable of exercising the delegated powers and functions. Julie Maree Collins, as the delegate, must exercise these powers in accordance with the law and within the scope of the delegation. Both Ministers must act within the confines of their respective roles and ensure that any decisions made under the delegation are lawful and appropriate.
The legislation does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach within its text. However, breaches of the terms of the delegation or misuse of the delegated powers could potentially lead to legal challenges or administrative reviews. Such breaches could result in actions being taken to rectify the situation or to hold the parties accountable for any improper use of authority. Given the context and the legal framework within which this delegation operates, serious breaches could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or legal consequences under other relevant laws, although these are not specified within this particular piece of legislation.