Departmental Items – Adjustments and Borrowings - section 10 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 (No. 2 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The Legislative Instrument F2009B00255, enacted on 4 June 2000, is an adjustment under Section 10 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001. This Act was introduced to address the need for additional funding to support specific government initiatives. In this instance, the Australian Parliament authorised an increase in appropriations to the Department of Family and Community Services to the tune of $4,088,000. This adjustment was intended to finance the Age Package information campaign and provide a one-off payment to income support recipients, directly aligning with the policy objectives of the government to enhance communication around aged care packages and to offer immediate financial relief to those reliant on income support. The enacting body, the Parliament of Australia, aimed to ensure that these critical social services received the necessary funding to operate effectively.

Scope and Application

The Legislative Instrument F2009B00255, titled "DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – ADJUSTMENTS AND BORROWINGS – SECTION 10 OF APPROPRIATION ACT (No.1) 2000-2001," pertains to the allocation of additional funds to specified appropriation items for the fiscal year 2000-2001. This legislative instrument applies to the Department of Family and Community Services, specifically increasing its appropriation by an amount of $4,088,000. The additional funding is earmarked for the Age Package information campaign and a one-off payment to income support recipients. The jurisdiction of this Act is at the Commonwealth level, impacting federal agencies and their budgetary allocations. Notably, the Act does not extend beyond the specified appropriation items and agencies listed, and there are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the document. Any further application or interpretation of this Act would likely be guided by subordinate instruments or additional legislation.

Key Provisions

The legislative instrument, F2009B00255, outlines adjustments and borrowings in the appropriation items for the Department of Family and Community Services, under section 10 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001. This adjustment was authorised by The Hon John Fahey, Minister for Finance and Administration, on 4 June 2000, and the amendment was approved on 4 June 2001. The increase in appropriation for the Department of Family and Community Services was $4,088,000, allocated for the funding of the Age Package information campaign and a one-off payment to income support recipients. The Act imposes specific obligations on the Department of Family and Community Services to ensure that the additional funds are utilised for the designated purposes of the Age Package information campaign and the one-off payment to income support recipients. This includes adhering to the guidelines and objectives set forth in the original appropriation and ensuring transparent and accountable use of the funds. The Department must also maintain proper records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with these requirements. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act or misuse of the allocated funds could result in serious consequences. While the legislative instrument does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, breaches of appropriation acts in Australia can lead to both civil and criminal liabilities. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties may involve imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as other relevant legal considerations. It is therefore crucial for the Department to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines to avoid any legal repercussions.