Overview

The legislative instrument F2007B00761, enacted in 2000, is a specific amendment to the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 1999-2000, which was passed by the Australian Parliament. This Act was introduced to facilitate the reallocation of funds within the budget to address unforeseen financial requirements or priorities that emerged during the fiscal year. This particular legislative instrument authorises an increase in the appropriation item for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by $9,000,000 to support the advancement of Australia’s national interests through international security, economic, and trade initiatives. The policy objective of this reallocation is to ensure that the Department has the necessary resources to effectively contribute to global cooperation and protect Australia’s interests on the international stage.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument pertains to the appropriation of funds within the Australian federal budget for the financial year 1999-2000, specifically addressing the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Act authorises an increase in funding for the department's administered expenses, with a particular focus on activities that contribute to the protection and advancement of Australia’s national interests in areas such as international security, economic and trade performance, and global cooperation. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth level, affecting only the federal budget allocation for the specified department. The legislative instrument does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but it operates within the broader framework of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 1999-2000, which may include other provisions governing the appropriation and expenditure of funds. Subordinate instruments may further define the scope and application of this legislation, but such details are not provided in the instrument itself.

Key Provisions

Section 10 of the Appropriation Act (No.1) 1999-2000 allows the Finance Minister to adjust appropriation items for various agencies within the government. In this instance, section 10 is being exercised to increase an appropriation for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by $9,000,000 under the item "Outcome 1 - Administered Expenses". This increase is intended to protect and advance Australia's national interests through contributions to international security, national economic and trade performance, and global cooperation. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislative instrument on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade include the efficient and effective use of the additional funds to achieve the specified outcomes. This involves ensuring that the increased budget is allocated towards activities that align with the objectives of international security, economic trade performance, and global cooperation. Proper accounting and reporting mechanisms must be in place to track the expenditure and outcomes of these funds. Breaching the requirements set out in the Appropriation Act (No.1) 1999-2000 could result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, breaches of appropriation acts can generally lead to disciplinary actions against public officials, financial penalties, or legal action for misuse of public funds. The severity of these consequences can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, but they underscore the importance of adhering to the provisions set forth in the Act.