Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 (No. 23 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The Legislative Instrument F2007B00794, issued in 2001, pertains to the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, enacted by the Australian Parliament. This legislative instrument was introduced to address a specific financial need identified within the government’s budgetary framework for the fiscal years 2000-2001. The document authorises an adjustment to the appropriation for administered expenses under the Department of Health and Aged Care, increasing the allocation by $4,204,000. The policy objective of this legislative instrument is to ensure that the Department of Health and Aged Care has the necessary financial resources to reduce the impact of hearing loss on eligible clients and to decrease the overall incidence of hearing loss in the community. This adjustment is a direct response to identified needs within the health and aged care sectors, aiming to support targeted interventions and programs designed to address hearing loss.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, specifically section 11, pertains to the allocation of financial resources within the Commonwealth of Australia. It applies to the appropriation of funds for particular entities and purposes, in this instance, increasing the appropriation item for the Department of Health and Aged Care. The legislation concerns administered expenses related to Outcome 6, which aims to reduce the impact of hearing loss for eligible clients and decrease the incidence of hearing loss in the broader community. This Act has a national jurisdictional reach, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds; however, the determination of appropriation increases is subject to the provisions of the Act itself and any relevant subordinate instruments that may extend or restrict its application. The authority to determine these increases is vested in the Senior Officer, Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, as exemplified by the determination signed by Vanessa Graham on 13 June 2001.

Key Provisions

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 provides the authority for the Senior Officer of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit to determine an increase in appropriations for specific items and agencies. According to the legislative instrument F2007B00794, Vanessa Graham, the Senior Officer, has exercised this power to increase the appropriation for the Department of Health and Aged Care by $4,204,000. This adjustment is aimed at administered expenses under Outcome 6, which focuses on reducing the consequences of hearing loss for eligible clients and the incidence of hearing loss in the broader community. The amendment reflects a commitment to addressing hearing loss more effectively, as evidenced by the specific allocation of funds towards this health outcome. The obligations under this Act require the Senior Officer to follow a formal process when determining an appropriation increase. This involves a careful review and justification of the need for additional funding, ensuring that the allocation aligns with the strategic objectives of the department and the broader health outcomes. The legislative instrument details the appropriation item, the agency involved, and the exact amount of the increase, which must be transparent and documented in a manner that is clear and accountable to stakeholders. Additionally, the Senior Officer must ensure that the increased funding is used efficiently and effectively to achieve the intended health outcomes, adhering to any relevant guidelines or policies in place. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, or misallocation of funds, can result in both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines or other financial penalties, depending on the severity of the breach. Criminal penalties could involve imprisonment if the breach is deemed to be of a serious nature, reflecting the importance of adhering to the legal framework governing financial appropriations. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, but they are typically outlined in other relevant legislation or regulations that govern financial management and public administration in Australia.