Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 (No. 25 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The legislative instrument F2007B00796, dated 20 June 2001, was enacted to facilitate an adjustment in appropriations under the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001. This Act was introduced to address the need for flexibility in financial allocations within government agencies to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services. The instrument was issued by Vanessa Graham, Acting Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, and it operates pursuant to section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001. The policy objective of this instrument is to reallocate funds to specific payment items for administered expenses, thereby supporting improved and more efficient government operations. The increased appropriation of $13,006,961 is directed to the Department of Finance and Administration for Outcome 2, reflecting the government's commitment to enhance its financial management and service delivery outcomes.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically to the appropriation of funds allocated to the Department of Finance and Administration. This legislative instrument authorises an increase in the appropriation for the administered expenses related to specific payments to the States and Territories, which falls under Outcome 2: Improved and more efficient government operations. The Act is applicable to the Commonwealth and its agencies, ensuring that the financial resources are appropriately allocated to facilitate more efficient government operations. There are no explicit exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined in this particular legislative instrument, and its application is strictly confined to the appropriation item and agency specified. The Act may be subject to further regulation or clarification through subordinate instruments, which may extend or refine the application of the appropriations determined within it.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation are the determination made by Vanessa Graham, the Acting Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit within the Budget Group of the Department of Finance and Administration, under section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 (section 11). This section allows her to increase the appropriation item for the Department of Finance and Administration by the amount listed in Column 3, which in this case is $13,006,961 for administered expenses – specific payments to the States and Territories. This adjustment is intended to support improved and more efficient government operations, as outlined in Outcome 2 of the appropriation act. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. Firstly, Vanessa Graham must ensure that the increase in appropriation is justified and necessary for the purposes stated in the Act. This involves meticulous documentation and justification of the expenditure to demonstrate that it aligns with the objectives of improved and more efficient government operations. Furthermore, the Department of Finance and Administration must ensure that the increased funds are utilised in accordance with the appropriation guidelines and that any payments to the States and Territories are made in a timely and transparent manner. These obligations are crucial for maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring that public funds are used effectively. In terms of consequences for breach, the Act does not explicitly state any offences or penalties for failing to comply with its provisions. However, any mismanagement or improper use of the appropriated funds could lead to serious administrative and legal repercussions. Such breaches could result in audits, investigations, and potential financial penalties. For instance, if the funds were misappropriated or not used for the intended purpose, it could lead to financial loss for the government and potential legal action against the responsible parties. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the Act's requirements and ensuring that the appropriated funds are used efficiently and effectively.