Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 (No. 28 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The legislative instrument F2007B00799, issued under Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, is a directive aimed at modifying the financial allocations for specified appropriation items within the Department of Finance and Administration. Enacted to address the need for financial adjustments in government operations, this instrument facilitates the reallocation of funds to ensure the efficient and effective management of government resources. The policy objective underlying this legislative instrument is to support improved and more efficient government operations, reflecting the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility and effective public service delivery. The instrument was issued by Vanessa Graham, Acting Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, on 26 June 2001.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, specifically Section 11, outlines the process for increasing appropriations for the Department of Finance and Administration, administered expenses related to improved and more efficient government operations. This Act applies to the Commonwealth government and the Department of Finance and Administration, which is responsible for managing and overseeing financial matters within the federal government. The Act increases the appropriation item for Administered Expenses by $7,566,340, which is designated to improve and enhance government operations. The jurisdiction of this Act is at the Commonwealth level, impacting federal operations and the financial administration of the government. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments. The Act provides a clear determination on the allocation of funds for specific outcomes within the federal financial management framework.

Key Provisions

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 authorises the Acting Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, to adjust appropriation items for specified agencies. In this instance, Vanessa Graham, the Acting Branch Manager, has determined that the appropriation for the Department of Finance and Administration, specifically under the heading "Administered Expenses – Outcome 2: Improved and more efficient government operations," should be increased by $7,566,340. This adjustment is documented in the legislative instrument F2007B00799. The obligations imposed by this Act primarily concern Vanessa Graham and her team within the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit. They must ensure that the appropriation adjustments are accurately calculated, justified, and properly documented. This involves a thorough review of the financial requirements of the Department of Finance and Administration to determine the need for additional funding under the specified appropriation item. Once the adjustment is determined, it must be formally recorded and communicated to the relevant stakeholders within the government. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act could lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. While the specific offences and penalties are not outlined in the Act itself, breaches of appropriation laws can generally result in administrative penalties, legal action, or both. For instance, if the adjustment is made without proper authority or justification, it could be considered an illegal appropriation, which might lead to criminal charges under the Public Service Act 1999. Penalties for such offences could include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, civil actions might be taken to recover any misappropriated funds, further compounding the financial and legal consequences.