Under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965, the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law has made a determination regarding the specification of coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint.
Subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965 requires that the determination provides details of the coins characteristics including standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design and dimensions.
This determination is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (Subsection 13(6) and 13A (4) of the Currency Act 1965, Section 57 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003).
The determination commences on the day after it is registered.
Item 1 | 20c Coin 2009 Cupro Nickel 20c Uncirculated Australia Remembers Australian Service Nurses Coin The reverse design features a representation of a nurse beside a wounded soldier who is supported by a pillow. There is a rifle and a soldier’s hat beside the soldier. The reverse design also features the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS’ and ‘AUSTRALIAN SERVICE NURSES’ separated by 2 crosses, as well as the inscription ‘20’. The obverse design features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA 2009’ and ‘1 DOLLAR’. |
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Overview
The Royal Australian Mint Determination 2009, issued under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965, addresses the specifications for coins proposed to be minted. This legislation, enacted by the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, provides detailed characteristics for the coins including their standard composition, weight, allowable variation, design, and dimensions. The determination is subject to disallowance under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and becomes effective the day after its registration. Specifically, the determination details a 20 cent coin commemorating Australian Service Nurses, featuring a reverse design of a nurse attending to a wounded soldier, along with inscriptions recognising their service, and an obverse design bearing an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and relevant inscriptions. This legislative measure ensures the coins meet required standards and honours the contributions of Australian service nurses.
Scope and Application
The Currency Act 1965, through subsection 13A(1), empowers the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law to specify the characteristics of coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint. This includes details such as standard composition, standard weight, allowable variations from the standard weight, design, and dimensions. The application of this Act is specifically directed at the Royal Australian Mint and any entities involved in the minting process, impacting the coin manufacturing industry. The Act applies on a national level within Australia and is designed to ensure uniformity and quality in the nation's currency. Notably, the determination made under this section is subject to disallowance under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, and it becomes effective the day after it is registered. The particular determination in focus here involves the specification of a 20 cent coin commemorating Australian service nurses, with precise details regarding its design and inscriptions.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this determination, under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, require that the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law detail the characteristics of the coins to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint. These characteristics include the standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from the standard weight, design and dimensions of the coins (subsection 13A(1)). In this instance, the coins in question are 20-cent coins commemorating Australian Service Nurses, featuring specific designs on both the obverse and reverse sides.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this determination on the Royal Australian Mint include ensuring that the coins meet the specified standards for composition, weight, design and dimensions. The Mint must produce coins that comply with the detailed description provided in the Minister's determination, ensuring that the coins accurately reflect the design elements and inscriptions specified, such as the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the commemorative design on the reverse.
The determination also includes provisions for the coins to be a disallowable instrument under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, meaning that if the determination is disallowed by either house of Parliament, it will cease to have effect. The commencement of the determination occurs on the day after it is registered, which legally binds the Royal Australian Mint to adhere to the specifications set forth (subsections 13(6) and 13A(4) of the Currency Act 1965, section 57 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003).
Failure to comply with the specifications set out in the Minister’s determination may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this determination, general penalties for breaches of the Currency Act 1965 can include fines and potential criminal charges. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as outlined in other sections of the Currency Act 1965 and related legislation.