Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 (No. 24 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The Legislative Instrument F2007B00795, enacted on 19 June 2001, pertains to an advance to the Finance Minister under section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No.1) 2000-2001. This legislation was introduced to facilitate the allocation of additional funds to specified government agencies for the financial year 2000-2001. In this instance, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry received an additional $30,000,000 for administered expenses, aimed at enhancing sustainability, competitiveness, and profitability in Australia's agricultural, food, fisheries, and forestry industries. The instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, with the policy objective of ensuring that critical sectors receive adequate funding to achieve specified outcomes.

Scope and Application

The legislative instrument F2007B00795 pertains to the appropriation of funds under the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, specifically increasing the allocation for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This Act applies to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, a federal agency responsible for policies and regulations affecting Australian agricultural, food, fisheries, and forestry industries. The increased appropriation aims to support more sustainable, competitive, and profitable practices within these sectors. The financial adjustment is a Commonwealth matter, extending to the national level and directly affecting the specified appropriation item for administered expenses as outlined in the Act. The legislative instrument does not provide details on exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, nor does it extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 provides the authority for the Acting Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, to increase the appropriation of specific funds allocated to certain agencies. According to this section, Vanessa Graham, as Acting Branch Manager, has determined an increase in appropriation for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Specifically, the appropriation item listed under the Act for the fiscal year 2000-2001 has been increased by $30,000,000 for administered expenses related to Outcome 1, which focuses on making Australian agricultural, food, fisheries, and forestry industries more sustainable, competitive, and profitable. The obligations under this Act primarily concern the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The department is now entitled to an increased budget allocation, which must be used in accordance with the specified outcome and purpose. The increased funds are intended to support initiatives and projects that align with the goal of enhancing sustainability, competitiveness, and profitability within the agricultural, food, fisheries, and forestry sectors. This obligation requires the department to ensure that the additional funds are utilised effectively and transparently, adhering to the guidelines and purposes outlined in the Act. There are no explicit offences or penalties outlined in the legislative instrument itself for non-compliance with the appropriation increase. However, the broader legislative framework under which this appropriation operates includes provisions for financial misconduct and misuse of public funds. Breaches of these provisions could result in criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. For instance, if the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry misappropriates the additional funds or fails to use them for the intended purposes, they could face severe consequences, including substantial fines and imprisonment terms as stipulated under relevant financial administration and integrity acts. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and nature of the breach, but they can be severe given the significant amount involved.