Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000
No. 93, 2000
Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000
No. 93, 2000
An Act to amend the A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999, and for related purposes
Contents
1 Short title...................................
2 Commencement...............................
3 Schedule(s)..................................
Schedule 1—Amendments
A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999
Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000
No. 93, 2000
An Act to amend the A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999, and for related purposes
[Assented to 30 June 2000]
The Parliament of Australia enacts:
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000.
2 Commencement
This Act commences, or is taken to have commenced, immediately before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999.
3 Schedule(s)
Each Act that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.
Schedule 1—Amendments
A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999
1 Item 135 of Schedule 1
Omit “7%”, substitute “10%”.
2 Item 136 of Schedule 1
Omit “7%”, substitute “10%”.
Note: The reference to 7% is inserted in paragraph 1206GAA(2)(a) of the Social Security Act 1991 by item 136.
3 Item 6 of Schedule 2
Omit “7%”, substitute “10%”.
4 Item 42 of Schedule 2
Omit “7%”, substitute “10%”.
Note: The reference to 7% is inserted in paragraph 198GA(2)(a) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 by item 42.
5 Item 1 of Schedule 4
Omit “7%”, substitute “10%”.
[Minister’s second reading speech made in—
House of Representatives on 27 June 2000
Senate on 29 June 2000]
Overview
The Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to amend the A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999. This amendment was introduced to address the need for an increase in rent assistance rates, providing necessary adjustments to support individuals facing higher living costs. The Act aims to replace specific percentage rates in the referenced legislation, thereby updating and enhancing the compensation measures available under the Social Security Act 1991 and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. Through these changes, the Act seeks to ensure that the compensation measures remain effective in assisting those who require financial support for rent-related expenses.
Scope and Application
The Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000 is a legislative instrument designed to amend the A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999, with the primary objective of increasing the rate of rent assistance. This Act applies to individuals who receive rent assistance as outlined under the Social Security Act 1991 and the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, thereby affecting both Commonwealth and state jurisdictions where these acts are applicable. The legislative amendment involves substituting the previous 7% rate with a new 10% rate, thus extending the financial support for eligible individuals. The Act's reach is national, impacting all individuals who qualify for rent assistance under the specified acts across Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the primary Act itself, though the eligibility for rent assistance would still be governed by the criteria set out in the Social Security Act 1991 and the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
Key Provisions
The Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment (Rent Assistance Increase) Act 2000 (C2004A00685) primarily serves to amend the A New Tax System (Compensation Measures Legislation Amendment) Act 1999. The Act's main operative sections, detailed in Schedule 1, involve substituting a 7% rate with a 10% rate in several specified items of the 1999 Act (sections 135, 136, 6, 42, and 1 of Schedules 1, 2, and 4 respectively). These amendments directly affect the rate of rent assistance provided under the Social Security Act 1991 and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, effectively increasing the rent assistance percentage from 7% to 10%.
The Act imposes obligations on the parties or entities it governs by mandating a higher rate of rent assistance, thereby ensuring that eligible recipients receive increased financial support for their rental expenses. This legislative change is intended to provide greater relief to those dependent on rent assistance, particularly in light of rising rental costs. The amendments require that the updated percentage be applied consistently across the relevant sections of the Social Security Act 1991 and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil or criminal consequences for breach. However, given the nature of the amendments, failure to comply with the updated rate of rent assistance could potentially lead to legal challenges or administrative penalties. While the Act does not specify maximum penalties, breaches of the amended provisions could result in legal action being taken against those responsible for ensuring compliance with the updated rates.