Commonwealth Grants Commission Regulations

Overview

The Commonwealth Grants Commission Regulations, made in 1933 under the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1933, were enacted to establish the framework for allowances and expenses for members and deputies of the Commission when travelling to fulfil their official duties. The Act was introduced to address the need for clear guidelines and financial provisions for the Commission's operations, ensuring that members could effectively carry out their responsibilities without financial impediments. The Regulations were made by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council, reflecting the policy objective to streamline the administrative and logistical aspects of the Commission's activities to facilitate efficient governance and oversight in the allocation of Commonwealth grants.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Grants Commission Regulations, made under the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1933, pertain to the allowances for travelling expenses that are payable to members and their deputies of the Commission when they are fulfilling their official duties. These regulations apply to members and deputies of the Commission, ensuring that they are reimbursed appropriately for their travel-related expenses. The allowances are structured to cover the cost of travel by various means, including by steamer or railway, with specific provisions for situations where the fare includes subsistence, reducing the allowable expense to a quarter of the ordinary rate. The regulations also detail the method of calculating the allowance based on an hourly rate derived from the daily rate. These provisions ensure that the members and their deputies are adequately compensated for their travel while performing their official duties, thereby facilitating the effective functioning of the Commission. These regulations apply on a national level across the Commonwealth of Australia and are in effect from the seventeenth day of July 1933. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions but provide a clear framework for the calculation and payment of allowances.

Key Provisions

The Commonwealth Grants Commission Regulations, under the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1933, establish provisions for the allowance of travelling expenses for members and their deputies of the Commission. According to Regulation 2(1), a daily allowance of Two pounds and five shillings is to be paid to each member or deputy for travel expenses incurred while fulfilling their duties. This allowance is intended to cover the costs associated with their travel, including any overnight stays required. Regulation 2(2) provides that if the travel involves a fare that includes subsistence, the allowance will be reduced to one quarter of the otherwise applicable rate. Furthermore, Regulation 2(3) specifies that the travelling allowance is in addition to the cost of conveyance and that it should be calculated on an hourly basis, with the hourly rate being one twenty-fourth of the daily rate. This calculation applies from the moment of departure until arrival by the means of transport used. The regulations also clarify, in Regulation 2(4), that these provisions took effect from the seventeenth day of July 1933. The obligations imposed by these Regulations on the members and deputies of the Commission primarily revolve around the accurate claim and documentation of travel expenses. They must ensure that their travel expenses are within the limits and conditions set out in the Regulations. For example, if they travel by means that include subsistence, they must reduce their allowance claim accordingly. Additionally, they need to provide evidence of the time of departure and arrival to correctly calculate their hourly entitlement. The Regulations require adherence to these conditions to ensure that the allowances are used appropriately and fairly. Failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations could lead to potential consequences, although specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not explicitly detailed within the text of these Regulations. Generally, non-compliance with statutory requirements could result in legal action, where a court may order rectification or impose penalties as deemed appropriate. Additionally, the misuse of funds or fraudulent claims could lead to criminal charges, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The exact nature and severity of any penalties would be determined in the context of the broader legal framework and applicable laws at the time of any alleged breach.