Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 (No. 9 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The legislative instrument F2007B00782, dated 15 March 2001, pertains to an advance to the Finance Minister as specified in section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No.1) 2000-2001. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this legislative instrument addresses the need to adjust the appropriations for specific items within government agencies to ensure adequate funding for critical operations and commitments. Phillip Prior, as Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit within the Department of Finance and Administration, has been authorised to increase certain appropriation items for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, reflecting the policy objective of enabling these agencies to meet their financial obligations and contribute effectively to international organisations and national interest business. The document details a re-allocation of funds, with a notable increase of $33,750,000 for administered expenses under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and an additional allocation for the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation to support payments related to national interest business. This adjustment underscores the importance of flexibility in budget management to respond to emerging priorities and ensure that governmental functions are adequately resourced.

Scope and Application

The Legislative Instrument F2007B00782 pertains to a specific appropriation adjustment as outlined in section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001. This instrument applies to the appropriation item related to administered expenses, specifically under the Outcome 1 Contributions to International Organisations for the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation – payments in respect of national interest business. The adjustment increases the appropriation for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by $33,750,000. This Act operates within the Commonwealth jurisdiction, applying to a government department, and thereby influences federal financial operations and allocations. The Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions, but its application is inherently limited to the financial appropriations outlined within its terms. The legislation extends its application through the appropriation item listed and does not explicitly mention further extensions or restrictions via subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, under section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, involve the determination of an increase in the appropriation for specific agencies and items. According to section 11, Phillip Prior, as the Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, is authorised to make this determination. The appropriation item in question is the "Administered Expenses" for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, specifically for contributions to international organisations under Outcome 1, and payments in respect of national interest business to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation. The amount specified for this increase is $33,750,000. This Act imposes obligations on the relevant parties, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation. These entities must now account for the additional funds allocated by the appropriation increase, ensuring that the specified contributions and payments are properly executed. The Department of Finance and Administration, through Phillip Prior, must also ensure that these appropriations are correctly recorded and reported in the national financial records, maintaining the integrity of the budget process. The legislation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within the excerpt provided. However, any failure to comply with the appropriation process or misallocation of funds could potentially lead to civil or criminal consequences under other relevant financial management laws. Such breaches might result in penalties, fines, or other sanctions, depending on the severity of the misconduct and the specific provisions of the applicable laws. The maximum penalties would be determined by the relevant financial and administrative statutes governing public expenditure and budget allocations.