Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2001-2002 (No. 13 of 2001-2002)

Overview

The legislative instrument F2007B00875, enacted in 2002, represents an advance to the Finance Minister under Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2001-2002. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for financial adjustments within specified appropriation items to ensure efficient allocation of funds to government agencies. The enacting body was the Parliament, with the policy objective of enabling necessary financial modifications to support government operations and outcomes as identified in the Appropriation Act. Specifically, this instrument directed an increase in the appropriation for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority by $1,000,000, aimed at enhancing transport systems and providing better recognition and opportunities for local, regional, and territory communities.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument pertains to the appropriation of funds as stipulated in Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2001-2002, specifically authorising an increase to the appropriation item for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The authority responsible for this adjustment is Jim Kerwin, who serves as the Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group within the Department of Finance and Administration. The increase pertains to the Administered Expenses for Outcome 1, which is aimed at enhancing the transport system in Australia while also providing better recognition and opportunities for local, regional, and territory communities. The specified amount allocated for this increase is one million Australian dollars. This legislative instrument applies to the Commonwealth level, affecting the budgetary allocations of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority within the parameters set by the Appropriation Act. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text of this legislative instrument, but its application may be further detailed or restricted through subordinate instruments or subsequent amendments.

Key Provisions

The Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2001-2002, under Section 11, provides a framework for the adjustment of appropriations for specific agencies, as determined by the Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration. In this instance, Section 11 allows for the appropriation item for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to be increased by $1,000,000 (Section 11). This adjustment is aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, specifically within the context of delivering a better transport system for Australia and fostering greater recognition and opportunities for local, regional, and territory communities. Under the governance of this legislation, the Branch Manager, Jim Kerwin, holds the authority to reallocate funds as necessary. The obligations of the Branch Manager include ensuring that the reallocation of funds is justified and necessary for the specified purposes, and that the increase in appropriations aligns with the objectives outlined in the Act. This involves a meticulous review process to verify that the additional funds will effectively support the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's initiatives and outcomes, particularly those related to improving the transport system and enhancing community engagement. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2001-2002 may result in various consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Act, any breaches of appropriation rules could lead to financial mismanagement and accountability issues. In the event of non-compliance, the Branch Manager, or any other implicated parties, could face scrutiny from relevant oversight bodies, including the Australian National Audit Office. Additionally, there could be implications for the responsible officers, including potential disciplinary actions or legal proceedings if the reallocation of funds results in significant financial loss or mismanagement of public funds. The severity of the consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as the impact on the agency's operations and objectives.