Australian Capital Territory Representation Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Australian Capital Territory Representation (House of Representatives) Act 1973 was enacted to address the need for specific electoral arrangements in the Australian Capital Territory. This legislation was developed to ensure that the unique circumstances of the federal capital, including its administrative and legislative status, were properly accommodated within the broader framework of Australian federal elections. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, reflecting the intention to provide a tailored approach to electoral representation for the Territory. The policy objective of the Act is to facilitate the effective participation of the ACT in the Commonwealth electoral system, ensuring that the Territory's representation in the House of Representatives is both equitable and administratively viable. The Australian Capital Territory Representation Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1983 No. 177, provide practical implementation for the administration of elections within the Territory. The regulations were issued under the authority of the Special Minister of State and focus on the logistical aspects of electoral processes, including the pricing structure for electoral rolls. The amendment to the regulations updates the sale prices of electoral rolls, reflecting changes since the last review in 1981. The principal roll for the Territory now costs $10.00, while the supplemental roll is priced at $1.00. This adjustment aims to align the costs with current economic conditions, ensuring the continued functionality and accessibility of electoral records.

Scope and Application

The Australian Capital Territory Representation Regulations, amended by Statutory Rules 1983 No. 177, are designed to govern the administration of Commonwealth electoral matters specifically within the Australian Capital Territory. These regulations apply to the entities and individuals involved in the electoral process, including the sale of electoral rolls, which are fundamental to the conduct of elections in the territory. The amendment adjusts the sale price of electoral rolls, setting the principal roll at $10.00 and the supplemental roll at $1.00, reflecting a revision from the last review conducted in 1981. This regulation ensures that the electoral process in the Australian Capital Territory is managed effectively and efficiently, adhering to contemporary standards and requirements. While the primary focus is on the electoral rolls within the territory, the regulations do not explicitly extend to other territories or states, thus maintaining a distinct jurisdictional reach.

Key Provisions

The Australian Capital Territory Representation (House of Representatives) Act 1973, as amended by the Australian Capital Territory Representation Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1983 No. 177, outlines the administrative framework for Commonwealth electoral processes within the Australian Capital Territory. Regulation 9(3) of these Regulations pertains to the sale price of electoral rolls. Under the original provisions, the Principal Roll for the Territory was priced at $8.30 and the Supplemental Roll for the Territory at $0.80. However, these prices were last reviewed in 1981, prompting the need for an amendment to reflect current economic conditions and administrative costs. The primary obligation imposed by these Regulations is to ensure that the electoral rolls are made available for sale at the newly prescribed prices, which are now $10.00 for the Principal Roll and $1.00 for the Supplemental Roll. These prices are intended to cover the costs associated with the production, distribution, and maintenance of the electoral rolls, ensuring they remain an accurate and reliable resource for electoral purposes. By setting these prices, the Regulations aim to balance the need for accessible electoral information with the resources required to maintain and update these records. Failure to comply with the provisions of the amended Regulations could result in administrative or legal consequences. Although the specific consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that any breaches could potentially lead to administrative penalties or legal action under the broader framework of the Australian Capital Territory Representation (House of Representatives) Act 1973. These consequences may include fines or other corrective measures aimed at ensuring adherence to the prescribed sale prices. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would likely be determined by the specific circumstances of the breach and the applicable legal provisions.