Forestry and Timber Bureau Act 1946

Overview

The Forestry and Timber Bureau Act 1946 was enacted to address the need for a more comprehensive approach to forestry and timber management in Australia. This Act amended the Forestry Bureau Act 1930-1944, shifting its focus to include timber and thereby establishing the Forestry and Timber Bureau. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aiming to better regulate and manage forestry and timber resources, including their supply, production, distribution, and trade within and outside Australia. Its policy objective is to ensure the sustainable management of forestry and timber resources and to provide expert advice on related matters to both federal and state governments, as well as other entities.

Scope and Application

The Forestry and Timber Bureau Act 1946 amends the Forestry Bureau Act 1930-1944, establishing the Forestry and Timber Bureau and defining its powers and functions. This Act applies to the Forestry and Timber Bureau and its officers, specifically the Director-General, who replaces the former position of Inspector-General. The Act pertains to the collection of statistics and information on timber supplies and requirements, advising governments and other entities on timber supply, production, distribution, importation, and exportation, and conducting investigations and research related to timber. The Act's jurisdiction covers the entire Commonwealth of Australia, including its states and territories. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but it may be subject to further regulation through subordinate instruments which could provide more detailed application and enforcement mechanisms. The Act’s scope is broad, impacting anyone involved in the timber industry within Australia, including government bodies, instrumentalities, and private entities.

Key Provisions

The Forestry and Timber Bureau Act 1946 amends the Forestry Bureau Act 1930-1944 to reflect changes in the name and scope of the Forestry Bureau. Specifically, sections (4) and (5) introduce significant changes. Section (4) alters the name of the Bureau to the Forestry and Timber Bureau and redefines the role of its head as the Director-General, replacing the previous role of the Inspector-General of Forests. Section (5) expands the powers and functions of the Bureau to include the collection of timber statistics and information, advising on matters related to timber supply and distribution, and conducting investigations and research on timber. The Act imposes certain obligations on the Forestry and Timber Bureau. These include the responsibility to collect and analyse data on timber supplies and requirements across Australia, develop programs for the supply, production, and distribution of timber, and provide expert advice to the Commonwealth and State governments, as well as to other bodies or individuals upon request. Additionally, the Bureau must undertake research and investigations related to timber, aiming to enhance knowledge and practices in the timber industry. Failure to comply with the requirements and directives under this Act can result in legal consequences. Although the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties, breaches of its provisions could potentially lead to civil or administrative penalties. The exact consequences would depend on the nature of the breach and the relevant laws under which the Bureau operates. For instance, failure to provide accurate timber statistics could result in fines or other sanctions under applicable administrative law provisions.