Excise Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Excise Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982 No. 138, issued by the authority of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, were enacted to address the need for updating the charges for the services of officers in specific situations under the Excise Act. The objective of these amendments is to align the fees with the most recent salary increases awarded to Third and Fourth Division Officers within the Australian Public Service, ensuring that the financial burden on taxpayers is accurately reflected in the services provided. The regulations increase the hourly charge for officers working outside standard working hours or at a manufacturer's factory, thereby maintaining the financial viability of the service delivery model while accommodating the cost of living adjustments for public service employees.

Scope and Application

The Excise Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982 No. 138 applies to the services of officers within the Australian Public Service, specifically those who are required to work outside regular working hours or at the factory of a manufacturer. This amendment pertains to the charges imposed for these services, as outlined in Regulation 209 and Regulation 209A of the Excise Regulations. The amendments are applied nationally across Australia, as they are issued under the authority of the Commonwealth Minister for Industry and Commerce. The amendments do not specify any exclusions or exemptions but are intended to adjust the fees to reflect the recent salary increases for Third and Fourth Division Officers. The application of these regulations may also be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments, although the primary focus here is on the adjustment of fees for specific services rendered by officers.

Key Provisions

The Excise Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982 No. 138, issued under the authority of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, amend the existing excise regulations concerning the charges for the services of an officer in specific scenarios. Regulation 1 (s.1) modifies the charge outlined in Regulation 209 of the Excise Regulations, increasing it from $10.43 to $11.60 per hour or part thereof. This amendment applies when an officer is required to work outside the usual working days or hours as prescribed by the regulations. Regulation 2 (s.2) adjusts the charge stipulated in Regulation 209A, raising it from $9.51 to $10.47 per hour or part thereof. This increase pertains to the services of an officer when required at a manufacturer's factory. These amendments impose new financial obligations on those who require the services of an officer outside the standard working hours or at a manufacturer's factory. The increased charges reflect the need to cover salary increases for Third and Fourth Division Officers in the Australian Public Service. It is essential for parties seeking these services to be aware of the updated fees to ensure compliance with the regulations and avoid any potential financial discrepancies. The Excise Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982 No. 138 do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with the increased charges. However, it is reasonable to assume that failure to pay the updated fees for officer services could result in legal repercussions, such as fines or other penalties as stipulated in the broader legislative framework governing excise regulations. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the applicable laws in force at the time of the breach.