Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 (No. 12 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The legislative instrument, F2007B00784, pertains to an advance to the Finance Minister under section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001. This instrument was introduced to address the need for additional appropriations to ensure the smooth operation and efficiency of the government. Enacted by Phillip Prior, Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, the objective of this legislative instrument is to allocate extra funds to the Department of Finance and Administration to cover specified appropriation items. This action is intended to support improved and more efficient government operations, as outlined in the policy objective of the Act. The instrument reflects the legislative intent to provide necessary financial resources to the relevant agency, thereby facilitating the achievement of the government's operational goals.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001, specifically section 11, applies to the appropriation item and the agency as delineated in the legislative instrument F2007B00784. This particular legislative instrument authorises an increase in the appropriation for the Department of Finance and Administration, detailing an allocation of $3,644,534 as a final charge and an additional $50,000 pending additional estimates. The increase is to support the outcome of improved and more efficient government operations, bringing the total appropriation to $3,694,534. The legislation is applicable within the Commonwealth jurisdiction and pertains directly to the specified appropriation item and agency, with no broader application to other entities or industries unless similarly detailed in other legislative instruments or acts. The Act does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions but is specific to the appropriation item and agency mentioned. Any broader application or modification of the appropriation would typically require further legislative action or subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 allows the Finance Minister to adjust the appropriation of funds for government agencies as necessary, pending further parliamentary approval. Specifically, Section 11 enables the Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, to determine an increase in appropriations for specified items (section 11(1)). In this case, the appropriation item listed under Column 1 for the Department of Finance and Administration is to be increased by the amount listed in Column 3, pending the submission of Additional Estimates. Under this legislation, the Branch Manager has the authority to modify the budget allocations as detailed in the provided table. For example, the appropriation item listed in Column 1 is increased by $3,644,534 for the "Final Charge" and by $50,000 under "Outcome 2 Pending Additional Estimates" to support "Improved and more efficient government operations." This results in a total increase of $3,694,534 for the Department of Finance and Administration. Such adjustments are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of government operations and are subject to subsequent parliamentary scrutiny and approval. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Primarily, the Branch Manager must accurately determine the required increases in appropriations, ensuring that these adjustments are based on legitimate and necessary budgetary needs. This determination must be documented and communicated clearly, as evidenced by the signature and date provided in the legislative instrument (section 11(2)). Additionally, the Department of Finance and Administration must ensure that these changes align with overall government financial policies and priorities. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 may result in various legal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within this legislative instrument, breaches of appropriation laws generally attract serious scrutiny and potential sanctions. Such breaches could lead to investigations by the relevant parliamentary committees and could result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. The maximum penalties for such offences could include fines and, in more severe cases, imprisonment.