Economic Planning Advisory Council (Allowances for Expenses) Regulations

Overview

The Economic Planning Advisory Council (Allowances for Expenses) Regulations 2004, enacted under the authority of the Prime Minister, aim to address the need for providing allowances for expenses to members of the Economic Planning Advisory Council and its committees. This was enacted pursuant to Section 28 of the Economic Planning Advisory Council Act 1983, which empowers the Governor-General to make regulations necessary or convenient for carrying out or giving effect to the Act. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure that members who are absent from their place of residence due to their engagement with the Council or its committees receive appropriate compensation for their travel expenses. This is achieved by linking the level of these allowances to those provided for part-time members of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation, thereby aligning them with the highest standards for public office holders. These allowances are in addition to the costs of conveyance, such as airfares, which are separately managed administratively.

Scope and Application

The Economic Planning Advisory Council (Allowances for Expenses) Regulations, issued under the authority of the Prime Minister and pursuant to the Economic Planning Advisory Council Act 1983, establish specific allowances for expenses incurred by members of the Council and its committees. These regulations apply to all members of the Economic Planning Advisory Council and its committees, except those who are also members of the Parliament of the Commonwealth or a State Parliament. The allowances are designed to compensate members for the necessary travel expenses incurred when they are required to be absent from their place of residence due to their attendance at meetings or engagement with Council affairs, subject to Council or committee approval. The allowance is set at the same level as that for part-time members of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation, ensuring it aligns with the highest standards for public office holders. The regulations are intended to supplement the cost of conveyance, such as airfares, which are covered separately through administrative provisions. The scope of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth jurisdiction, with no stated exclusions or thresholds beyond the specified eligibility criteria for members.

Key Provisions

The Economic Planning Advisory Council (Allowances for Expenses) Regulations 2004 (C2004L01782) outlines the allowance provisions for members of the Council and its committees. Section 28 of the Economic Planning Advisory Council Act 1983 allows the Governor-General to make regulations regarding allowances for expenses for members of the Council and its committees. These regulations are specifically designed for members who are not also members of the Commonwealth or State Parliaments. Under these regulations, members who are necessarily absent from their place of residence due to their attendance at Council or committee meetings, or their engagement in Council or committee affairs with approval, are entitled to a travelling allowance. This allowance is intended to cover the additional expenses incurred due to travel and is prescribed to be the same as the allowance for part-time members of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation. This ensures that the allowances are set at a level commensurate with other public office holders. The obligations imposed by these regulations are primarily on the members of the Council and its committees who qualify for the allowances. They must ensure that their travel and related expenses are necessary and directly attributable to their duties with the Council or committee. This requirement is to ensure that the allowances are used appropriately and only for legitimate expenses incurred in the course of their service. For breaches of the regulations, the Act does not specify explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences. However, it is important to note that any misuse or fraudulent claims for allowances would likely be considered a breach of public trust and could lead to disciplinary actions or legal consequences under other relevant laws. Given the nature of these regulations, any significant misuse would be subject to scrutiny and could result in the revocation of allowances or further administrative or legal action.