Dried Fruits Research Regulations

Overview

The Dried Fruits Research Regulations 1972 were enacted to provide administrative detail for the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971. This Act was introduced to address the need for coordinated research and development initiatives to support the dried fruits industry in Australia. The regulations were made under the authority of the Governor-General in accordance with the Act and were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 2 May 1972. The objective of these regulations is to facilitate the operation of the Committee established under the Act by providing guidelines on the remuneration and allowances for members, deputies, and advisers who are not part of the Commonwealth Public Service or the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. The regulations cover payment of fees for attendance at meetings and for engagement in committee business, as well as allowances for travel and other expenses incurred in the course of their duties.

Scope and Application

The Dried Fruits Research Regulations 1972 provide the framework for remuneration and allowances for members, deputies of members, and advisers of the Committee established under the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971. These regulations apply to individuals who are not members of the Parliament of the Commonwealth or a State, officers of the Public Service of the Commonwealth, or officers of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. The regulations govern the payment of fees for attendance at committee meetings and for time spent on committee business, both within Australia and overseas, following their commencement on 1 June 1972. These provisions ensure that those involved in the research and oversight of dried fruits are appropriately compensated for their time and any associated travel expenses.

Key Provisions

The Dried Fruits Research Regulations, made under the Dried Fruits Research Act 1971, provide specific provisions for the remuneration and allowances of members, deputies, and advisers involved in committee activities related to dried fruits research. Regulation 3 details the fees payable to members, deputies, and advisers for attending meetings and engaging in committee business. For meetings shorter than three hours, a fee of twenty dollars is payable (Regulation 3(1)(a)), while longer meetings or engagements incur a fee of thirty-five dollars (Regulation 3(1)(b)). Similarly, Regulation 4 outlines the travelling allowances. Members, deputies, and advisers are entitled to a daily allowance of twenty-one dollars if they are absent overnight to attend a meeting or engage in committee business within Australia (Regulation 4(1)). For overseas engagements, they receive allowances equivalent to those of a Second Division officer in the Public Service of the Commonwealth (Regulation 4(2)). Importantly, those receiving overseas allowances are not eligible for the domestic travelling allowance (Regulation 4(3)). The application of these regulations extends to activities occurring on or after 1 June 1971 (Regulation 5). The obligations imposed by these Regulations primarily concern the financial responsibilities of the Commonwealth towards members, deputies, and advisers of the Committee. Under Regulation 3, the Commonwealth must pay the specified fees for attendance at meetings and for committee business. This ensures that participants are compensated for their time and any associated expenses. Regulation 4 further mandates that the Commonwealth provide appropriate allowances for travel, including both domestic and international travel. This is to ensure that committee members can effectively perform their duties without incurring significant personal costs. Compliance with these financial obligations is crucial for the smooth operation of the committee and the research activities it oversees. Breaches of these Regulations may not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties within the text provided. However, the failure to adhere to the financial obligations specified in Regulations 3 and 4 could potentially lead to civil or administrative consequences. Such breaches might involve the Commonwealth being liable for unpaid fees or allowances, leading to financial disputes or claims. Although the text does not detail maximum penalties, any legal action resulting from non-compliance would likely focus on rectifying the financial discrepancies and ensuring future compliance with the specified remuneration and allowance provisions.