Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 (No. 21 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The legislative instrument F2007B00792, enacted on 8 June 2001, serves as an amendment to the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001, specifically under Section 11. This instrument was introduced to address the need for additional funding within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as determined by the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure sound and well-coordinated government policies, programs, and decision-making processes by providing the necessary financial resources. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the policy objective is to facilitate the efficient functioning of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, thereby supporting Outcome 1 as outlined in the appropriation item.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001, specifically section 11, empowers the Finance Minister to adjust appropriation items as necessary, with the legislative instrument F2007B00792 detailing such adjustments. In this instance, Vanessa Graham, as Senior Officer of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, has determined an increase to an appropriation item. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has had its appropriation item for specific payments to the states and territories augmented by $5,000,000, aimed at supporting sound and well-coordinated government policies, programs, and decision-making processes. This adjustment is made within the Commonwealth jurisdiction and applies to the stated appropriation item and department only, with no broader exclusions or exemptions noted in the legislation. The legislative instrument extends the application of the Act by specifying the exact appropriation item and amount to be increased, thereby providing clarity and precision in the financial management of government funds.

Key Provisions

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 empowers a designated senior officer to increase specified appropriations for certain agencies, as outlined in a table. For instance, in this legislative instrument, the appropriation item for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is increased by $5,000,000, as detailed in the table provided (s. 11). The increase is earmarked for supporting sound and well-coordinated government policies, programs, and decision-making processes, under Outcome 1 of the appropriation act (s. 11). The determination is made by Vanessa Graham, Senior Officer of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, on 8 June 2001 (s. 11). The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities governed by it, primarily ensuring that the increased appropriations are used in accordance with the stated purposes. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, for example, must ensure that the additional funds are allocated towards enhancing coordinated government policies and decision-making processes as outlined (s. 11). Additionally, the Department of Finance and Administration has the responsibility to monitor and report on the use of these appropriations to ensure compliance with the legislative intent (s. 11). There are potential consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001. While the specific legislative instrument does not detail offences or penalties, general provisions within the Appropriation Act may include civil or criminal penalties for misuse of funds. Such penalties could involve fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The exact penalties are not specified in this legislative instrument but would be outlined in the overarching act or related regulations (s. 11).