Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001 (No. 5 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, was introduced to allocate funds for various government departments and agencies for the financial year 2000-2001. This Act was instrumental in providing the necessary budgetary framework to ensure the efficient functioning of government operations and services. One particular legislative instrument under this Act, F2007B00779, pertains to an advance to the Finance Minister, as outlined in Section 11 of the Act. This legislative instrument was issued by Phillip Prior, a member of the Department of Finance and Administration, and was enacted on 8 January 2001. It specifically determines an increase in appropriation for the Department of the Environment and Heritage by $7,459,000.00, aiming to bolster environmental protection efforts, particularly in areas deemed of national environmental significance. This legislative measure underscores the policy objective of the Act, which is to safeguard and conserve the environment, with a focus on elements that hold national importance. The increase in funding for the Department of the Environment and Heritage reflects a commitment to enhancing environmental stewardship and ensuring that significant environmental matters receive adequate attention and resources. By allocating these funds, the government aims to address any budgetary gaps that could hinder the effective implementation of environmental policies and conservation initiatives.

Scope and Application

The Legislative Instrument F2007B00779, pursuant to Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001, involves the allocation of a specific appropriation item to the Department of the Environment and Heritage. The appropriation is an increase of $7,459,000.00, which is to be directed towards the protection and conservation of the environment, particularly aspects considered matters of national environmental significance. This legislative instrument applies directly to the Commonwealth government and the Department of the Environment and Heritage, and it is intended to support the environmental objectives outlined in Outcome 1 of the appropriation act. The legislation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but it does clarify the allocation of funds within the national governmental framework. The application of this act is constrained to the financial year 2000-2001, with no indication of extensions or restrictions through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2000-2001, as exercised by Phillip Prior, SES Band 2, from the Budget Group within the Department of Finance and Administration, specifies an increase in funding for the Department of the Environment and Heritage. The appropriation item is increased by $7,459,000.00. This legislative instrument is designed to ensure that the specified amount is allocated to the department, thereby enhancing its ability to meet its obligations under the Act. The increase is intended to support the environment, particularly in areas that hold national environmental significance, aligning with the broader outcomes of the Act. Under this legislative instrument, the primary obligation imposed on the Department of the Environment and Heritage is to effectively utilise the increased appropriation to fulfil its environmental protection and conservation mandates. The Act requires the department to ensure that the additional funds are directed towards activities that contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment, with a focus on national environmental significance. This includes implementing and managing programs and initiatives that support the objectives outlined in Outcome 1 of the Act. Failure to comply with the provisions of this legislative instrument may lead to significant consequences. While the Act does not explicitly state the offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance, breaches of appropriation acts generally can result in financial misallocations, accountability issues, and potential legal ramifications. In severe cases, such breaches could lead to criminal charges or civil penalties, including fines or other sanctions as prescribed by relevant laws and regulations. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and could be subject to further legislative or administrative action.