Copyright Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1945, No. 198, under the Copyright Act 1912-1935, was enacted by the Governor-General in Council to update the operational hours of the Copyright Office as previously outlined in the Copyright Regulations 1913. This regulation was introduced to streamline the administration of copyright-related services by adjusting the opening hours of the Copyright Office, ensuring that it is accessible to the public during standard working hours while excluding Saturdays and public holidays. The policy objective behind this regulation was to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of copyright services provided by the Commonwealth, thereby facilitating the management and registration of copyright for creators and stakeholders. This regulation was made by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council's advice and was notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 20 December 1945. The amendment to Regulation 9 specifically repealed the previous stipulations regarding the Copyright Office's hours and established new parameters, ensuring that the office operates from ten o'clock in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon on weekdays excluding Saturdays, except when holidays are observed under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945.

Scope and Application

The regulation, made under the Copyright Act 1912-1935, amends the Copyright Regulations 1913 to set the operating hours for the Copyright Office. It specifies that the office shall be open to the public on weekdays, excluding Saturdays, from ten o'clock in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon, except on holidays observed under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945. This regulation applies to the Copyright Office, which is a federal entity responsible for handling copyright-related matters, and affects the public who seek to engage with these services. The jurisdictional reach of this regulation is within the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting the federal nature of copyright administration in the country. The regulation does not extend its application through subordinate instruments but instead directly modifies the operating hours of the Copyright Office as specified.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this statutory regulation under the Copyright Act 1912-1935 (C1945L00198) focus on the amendment of the Copyright Regulations 1913. Specifically, Regulation 9 is repealed and replaced with a new regulation (section 9) that dictates the operating hours of the Copyright Office. According to the new regulation, the Copyright Office is required to be open to the public on weekdays, excluding Saturdays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, unless the day in question is a holiday as recognised under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945. The Act imposes clear obligations on the Copyright Office to adhere to the specified opening hours, ensuring that it is accessible to the public during the designated times. This regulation aims to streamline and formalise the operational hours of the Copyright Office, providing clarity and consistency for individuals seeking to conduct business related to copyright matters. Any failure to comply with these regulations could lead to various consequences. Although the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within this regulation, breaches of statutory requirements under the Copyright Act could result in civil or criminal penalties. The severity of these penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, with potential maximum penalties being determined by the relevant courts. It is important to note that non-compliance could also lead to administrative consequences, such as fines or other enforcement actions, which are not explicitly stated in this particular statutory rule but are generally applicable under Australian law.