Appropriation (Works and Services) Act (No. 2) 1951-52

Overview

The Appropriation (Works and Services) Act (No. 2) 1951-52 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia in 1952. This Act was introduced to provide an additional appropriation from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30th June 1952, to cover capital expenditures for additions, new works, and other services across various government departments and territories. The policy objective of this Act was to ensure adequate funding for essential infrastructure projects and services that were critical for national development during that period. The Act authorised the Treasurer to issue and apply the specified sum of £16,560,000, which was deemed to have been appropriated from 1st July 1951, towards the various services outlined in the schedule of the Act.

Scope and Application

The Appropriation (Works and Services) Act (No. 2) 1951-52 applies to the allocation and application of funds for the Commonwealth's capital expenditure during the financial year ending on 30 June 1952. This Act authorises the Treasurer to issue a specific sum of £16,560,000 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for various services and works across multiple departments and business undertakings, as well as for the territories of the Commonwealth. This Act encompasses expenditures for the Department of the Interior, Works and Housing, Civil Aviation, Commerce and Agriculture, Social Services, Shipping and Transport, Immigration, and National Development, as well as business undertakings such as the Commonwealth Railways and the Postmaster-General's Department, and territorial administrations including the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The Act comes into effect upon receiving Royal Assent and is applicable nationally, covering all departments and entities listed within its provisions. No specific exclusions or exemptions are mentioned in the text, but it should be noted that the Act may be subject to amendments or extensions through subordinate instruments or subsequent legislation.

Key Provisions

The Appropriation (Works and Services) Act (No. 2) 1951-52, which received Royal Assent on 16th June 1952, authorises the Treasurer to issue and apply a sum of £16,560,000 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund towards the supply granted to Her Majesty for the financial year ending 30th June 1952 (section 3). This sum is designated for the purposes and services outlined in the schedule to the Act (section 4). The appropriation is deemed to have been made as from 1st July 1951. The Act imposes specific obligations on the Treasurer, who is authorised to issue and apply the appropriated funds for the purposes outlined in the schedule. These purposes span various departments, business undertakings, and territories of the Commonwealth, including the Department of the Interior, Department of Works and Housing, Department of Civil Aviation, and others. Each department and entity is allocated a specific amount for activities such as building works, fittings, furniture, equipment, and developmental services. For example, the Department of Works and Housing is allocated £520,000 for buildings, works, fittings, furniture, and a working advance (section 4). Similarly, the Department of Civil Aviation is allocated £415,000 for acquisition of sites and buildings and other works under the control of the Department of Works and Housing (section 4). The Act does not explicitly detail any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches. However, by authorising the issuance and application of funds for specific purposes, it implicitly requires adherence to budgetary constraints and proper financial management. Any misuse of funds or non-compliance with the appropriations outlined in the Act could potentially lead to legal consequences under other applicable financial regulations and Acts. The precise nature and extent of any penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and any relevant supplementary legislation.