Attachment B
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Currency Act 1965
Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2010 (No. 2)
Under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, the Assistant Treasurer has made a determination regarding the specifications of coins proposed to be issued by the Perth Mint.
Subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965 requires that the determination provide details of coin characteristics including standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design and dimensions.
A determination made by the Assistant Treasurer is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
• 2010 Mary MacKillop Canonisation – Silver Proof coin
The design on the 2010 Mary MacKillop canonisation (1/2 oz) Silver Proof coin features a coloured representation of Mary MacKillop against a background of horizontal lines, a representation of Mary MacKillop’s signature, 1842-1909 and ‘60c’.
Overview
The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2010 (No. 2) was enacted to address the specifications of coins proposed for issuance by the Perth Mint under the Currency Act 1965. This determination, made by the Assistant Treasurer, provides essential details such as the standard composition, weight, allowable variations, design, and dimensions of the coins, as required by subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act. The Currency Act 1965, enacted by the Australian Parliament, governs the production and circulation of currency within Australia, ensuring that all coins issued meet specific legal standards. This particular determination was made to outline the characteristics of the 2010 Mary MacKillop Canonisation Silver Proof coin, commemorating the canonisation of Mary MacKillop with a design featuring a coloured representation of her against a background of horizontal lines, her signature, the years 1842-1909, and the denomination ‘60c’. As a disallowable instrument under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, this determination can be reviewed and potentially disallowed by the Parliament.
Scope and Application
The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2010 (No. 2), made under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, applies to the Perth Mint, an entity responsible for the production of coins in Australia. This determination specifies the characteristics of coins proposed to be issued by the Perth Mint, including the standard composition, weight, allowable variations from the standard weight, design, and dimensions. The determination applies nationally as it pertains to the issuance of currency under federal law. It is pertinent to any entity involved in the minting or issuance of the specified coins, ensuring compliance with the set standards. The determination does not explicitly exclude any entities or categories of coins but focuses on setting the standards for the newly proposed 2010 Mary MacKillop canonisation (1/2 oz) Silver Proof coin, which features a coloured representation of Mary MacKillop along with other specific design elements. This determination is a disallowable instrument under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, allowing for parliamentary scrutiny and potential disallowance.
Key Provisions
The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2010 (No. 2) outlines the specifications for the coins proposed to be issued by the Perth Mint, as per subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965. This determination includes detailed requirements for the coin's standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from the standard weight, design, and dimensions. For example, the 2010 Mary MacKillop Canonisation Silver Proof coin is specified to have a standard composition and weight, along with a design featuring a coloured representation of Mary MacKillop, her signature, the years 1842-1909, and the denomination "60c". The Assistant Treasurer's determination under the Currency Act is a disallowable instrument, subject to the provisions of section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
The Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2010 (No. 2) imposes specific obligations on the Perth Mint regarding the issuance of coins. The Mint must adhere to the detailed specifications provided in the determination, including the coin's composition, weight, allowable variations, design, and dimensions. The Mint is required to produce coins that meet these standards to ensure uniformity and compliance with the Currency Act. This ensures that the coins issued are of the correct quality and specifications as outlined by the Assistant Treasurer.
Breaches of the Currency (Perth Mint) Determination 2010 (No. 2) may lead to civil or criminal consequences. While the explanatory statement does not explicitly outline specific penalties, the Currency Act 1965 and related legislation could impose penalties for non-compliance. Offences related to the production or distribution of coins that do not meet the specified standards could result in fines or other penalties as determined by the relevant authorities. It is important for the Perth Mint to strictly adhere to the specifications to avoid any potential legal repercussions.