Australian National Railways Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1979 No. 3, made under the Australian National Railways Act 1917, were enacted to amend the Australian National Railways Regulations. These regulations were introduced to address the need for updating the financial limits prescribed in the original act, ensuring that it could adapt to the changing economic and operational needs of the Australian National Railways. The enacting body, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, aimed to ensure that the prescribed amount aligns with the operational requirements and legal obligations of the railways. This legislative instrument specifically inserts a new regulation prescribing an amount of $500,000 for the purposes of section 23 of the Australian National Railways Act 1917, which aims to provide clarity and certainty in financial dealings related to the railways.

Scope and Application

The Australian National Railways Regulations, made under the Australian National Railways Act 1917, apply to the operations and activities of the Australian National Railways Administration, encompassing its employees, contractors, and any entities that contract with or otherwise interact with the administration. The regulations are specifically designed to govern the financial and operational aspects of the Australian National Railways, setting out detailed procedures and standards that must be adhered to. Geographically, these regulations apply on a national level, covering all states and territories within Australia. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but they do include provisions that may implicitly exclude certain activities or entities not directly involved in the operations of the Australian National Railways. The scope of these regulations can be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments, which may introduce additional rules or amend existing provisions to adapt to changing circumstances or legislative intent.

Key Provisions

The Australian National Railways Regulations (1979) introduce specific provisions to the Australian National Railways Act 1917. Regulation 1A inserts a new regulation, specifying the amount of $500,000 as prescribed for the purposes of section 23 of the Act. This new regulation aims to provide a clear and specific monetary value that aligns with the requirements set out in the Act, ensuring consistency and predictability in the application of the law. These Regulations impose obligations on the parties or entities governed by them. By inserting Regulation 1A, the Regulations ensure that the prescribed amount of $500,000 is adhered to when applying the relevant sections of the Act. This specificity helps to maintain clarity and uniformity in the interpretation and application of the Act, thereby facilitating compliance and reducing potential disputes. The Regulations also outline consequences for breaches. Although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in these Regulations, breaches of the Australian National Railways Act 1917 or its Regulations could lead to legal actions under the broader legislative framework. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, penalties may include fines or other civil or criminal sanctions as provided by the Act or related laws. The maximum penalties would be determined by the specific provisions of the Act and any applicable legislation at the time of the breach.