Overview

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 1) Determination 2021 was enacted to address a specific issue with the design of a proposed 2021 $1 coloured uncirculated coin commemorating the Centenary of Rotary International. The determination was issued under the authority of the Currency Act 1965, which empowers the Treasurer to establish characteristics of Australian coins including their design. The Currency Act 1965, administered by the Commonwealth Parliament, is the foundational piece of legislation governing the production and issuance of Australian currency. The policy objective behind this amendment was to ensure the coin's design was both visible and legible, thereby maintaining the integrity and recognisability of Australian legal tender. This minor amendment was necessary after initial production trials revealed issues with the original orange design, which was deemed unsuitable for the coin’s metallic composition.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 1) Determination 2021 amends the determination of one Australian coin issued under the Currency Act 1965, specifically altering the colour of the Rotary International Mark of Excellence on the 2021 $1 coloured uncirculated coin from orange to blue. This change was made to improve the coin's visibility and legibility, following production trials that showed the original orange design was not suitable for the coin's composition of copper, aluminium, and nickel. The Act applies to the production and issuance of Australian coins, and the Determination is made under the authority granted by the Currency Act 1965, with the Treasurer being the primary figure responsible for determining the characteristics of Australian coins. The amendment is limited in scope, affecting only the specified coin, and does not extend to other coins or coin characteristics. The Determination applies nationally across Australia, aligning with the federal jurisdiction of currency issuance and regulation. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular Determination, but the broader legislative framework may contain such provisions. The Determination commenced on the day after its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation and is subject to disallowance under the Legislation Act 2003.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 1) Determination 2021 amends the specifications for a new Australian coin as outlined in the Currency Act 1965 (sections 13(2) and 13A). Specifically, it modifies the description of the colour of the Rotary International Mark of Excellence on the 2021 $1 coloured uncirculated coin, changing it from orange to blue (Schedule 1, Item 1). This change was made based on production trials that showed the orange design was too difficult to discern and rendered text illegible on the coin, which is composed of copper, aluminium, and nickel. The obligations imposed by this determination are primarily on the Royal Australian Mint, which is now authorised to begin production of the amended coin. This includes ensuring that the new design specifications are adhered to, particularly the change in colour of the Rotary International Mark of Excellence. The Mint must also ensure that all coins produced meet the legal tender requirements set out in the Currency Act 1965. Breaches of the specifications outlined in this determination could potentially lead to legal consequences. If coins are produced that do not meet the amended specifications, they could be deemed non-compliant and not recognised as legal tender. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Determination, non-compliance with the Currency Act 1965 generally could result in civil or criminal penalties. These could include fines or other legal actions as determined by relevant authorities. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but they could potentially be significant given the legal framework in place for the regulation of Australian currency.