Overview

The Legislative instrument F2007B00937, issued under the authority of the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Act (No 1) 2001-2002, addresses the need for supplementary appropriations to meet unforeseen or increased expenses within parliamentary departments during the financial year 2001-2002. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the Act aims to provide flexibility in financial management, ensuring that parliamentary departments can adapt to changing circumstances without requiring additional legislative amendments. The policy objective of this legislative instrument is to increase the appropriation for the Joint House Department by $399,600 for departmental outputs, as approved by the relevant authorities and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(5) of the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Act (No 1) 2001-2002. This adjustment is designed to support the operational needs of the department and ensure the efficient functioning of parliamentary processes.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Act (No. 1) 2001-2002 applies to the appropriation of funds for the joint House Department and other parliamentary departments within the Commonwealth of Australia. This Act governs the allocation and management of budgetary resources for the specified departments and their various outputs, ensuring that the financial resources are directed towards their intended purposes in accordance with legislative and administrative mandates. The Act specifies that the appropriation item for the joint House Department has been increased by a particular amount, which is detailed in the legislative instrument, and this increase is pursuant to the authority granted under Section 13(5) of the Act. The geographic reach of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth level, meaning it applies nationally across Australia but is limited to the parliamentary departments and their associated budgetary allocations. The Act does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions but operates within the broader framework of the Commonwealth's financial governance and appropriation processes.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically section 13(5) of the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Act (No. 1) 2001-2002, allow for an adjustment of the appropriation item allocated to a specific agency. In this case, the Joint House Department's appropriation item has been increased by $399,600. This section provides the legal basis for modifying the budget allocations as outlined in the table, ensuring that the financial resources are appropriately adjusted to meet the needs of the parliamentary departments. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties involved are primarily administrative in nature. The Joint House Department must ensure that the additional funds are used in accordance with the purposes outlined in the appropriation. This includes compliance with all relevant financial reporting and auditing standards, as well as adhering to the guidelines set by the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit. The Act requires that any changes to appropriation items be communicated clearly and accurately, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Under the Act, breaches of the obligations and requirements could result in various consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within this legislative instrument, breaches of appropriation laws can typically lead to civil or criminal liability. In severe cases, this could include fines or other penalties as prescribed by law. Additionally, failure to comply with financial reporting standards can result in disciplinary action against responsible officers or even legal action against the agency. The legislative instrument also highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of any changes to appropriation items. This includes documenting the rationale for the increase and ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of the adjustments. The Joint House Department must ensure that any additional funds are accounted for and used in accordance with legislative requirements, avoiding any misuse of public resources. The consequences of not adhering to these requirements can include financial penalties and reputational damage to the department and its officials.