Coast Defence Appropriation Act 1908

Overview

The Coast Defence Appropriation Act 1908 was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to address the need for financial allocation towards harbor and coastal defences. Assented to on 10th June 1908, the Act authorises the appropriation of £250,000 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for these purposes, to be held in the Harbor and Coastal Defence (Naval) Account as per the Audit Acts 1901–1906. The policy objective of this Act is to ensure that sufficient funds are available for the development and maintenance of coastal defences, which were critical for national security during that period. This appropriation was part of a broader effort to bolster Australia's defence capabilities in response to emerging security concerns.

Scope and Application

The Coast Defence Appropriation Act 1908 is a Commonwealth Act that specifically applies to the allocation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purposes of harbour and coastal defence. The Act authorises the appropriation of £250,000 for harbour and coastal defences, to be managed through the Harbor and Coastal Defence (Naval) Account under the Audit Acts 1901–1906. The Act applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and its territories, providing a clear financial directive for defence infrastructure and operations. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text of this Act, and it does not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments beyond its specific appropriation purpose.

Key Provisions

The Coast Defence Appropriation Act 1908 (referred to as C1908A00019) outlines the appropriation of a specific sum for harbor and coastal defence purposes. The key provision of this Act, found in section 2, mandates the payment of Two hundred and fifty thousand pounds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. This amount is allocated to the Harbor and Coastal Defence (Naval) Account, which is established under the Audit Acts 1901–1906. This fund is intended for the specific purpose of enhancing harbor and coastal defences. The Act imposes clear obligations on the government and relevant authorities to ensure that the specified funds are appropriately allocated and utilised for the intended purpose. The Consolidated Revenue Fund serves as the source of these funds, and the payment must be made accordingly. The Trust Account, specifically the Harbor and Coastal Defence (Naval) Account, is designated as the repository for these funds, ensuring they are used for harbour and coastal defence enhancements. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches detailed within the Act. However, given the nature of the appropriation and its specific purpose, any misuse or diversion of these funds from their designated purpose could potentially lead to legal scrutiny and consequences under other relevant legislation or administrative guidelines. While the Act itself does not specify penalties, the importance of adhering to the intended use of these funds is implicitly underscored by the nature of the appropriation.