Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Commencement Proclamation 2018

Overview

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Act 2018 was enacted to address governance and other matters within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The primary aim of this legislation was to strengthen the governance framework and enhance the management capabilities of the Authority, thereby ensuring the protection and sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia, reflecting a commitment to maintaining the ecological integrity and biodiversity of one of the world's most significant natural wonders. The policy objective, as indicated in the text, is to provide the necessary legislative foundation to support effective governance and management practices that safeguard the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Scope and Application

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Commencement Proclamation 2018 applies to the provisions outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Act 2018, setting the commencement date for these amendments on 29 October 2018. This proclamation is a legislative instrument issued under the authority of the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. It formalises the start of the legislative changes related to the governance of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, ensuring that the specified provisions of the Act come into effect as intended. The geographic reach of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, particularly affecting the management and governance of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The proclamation does not delineate specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within its scope, but these aspects are typically detailed in the parent Act itself. The proclamation operates to enforce the commencement of the legislative changes, thereby extending the application of the amended Act from the specified date.

Key Provisions

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Commencement Proclamation 2018 (F2018N00161) sets the date for the commencement of the Act. Specifically, Section 1 of the Proclamation fixes 29 October 2018 as the date on which Schedule 1 to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Act 2018 commences. This means that from this date, the changes and provisions outlined in the Schedule of the Act officially come into effect. The Proclamation is made under the authority of the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, in accordance with item 2 of the table in subsection 2(1) of the Act. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties or entities it governs. These include the establishment and governance of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which is intended to ensure better management and protection of the reef. The Act also likely includes provisions for the authority to make rules and regulations, manage permits and approvals, and oversee the activities within the marine park to ensure compliance with environmental standards and sustainability practices. It is also expected to provide mechanisms for the review and enforcement of compliance, ensuring that the activities within the park are conducted in a manner that preserves the reef's ecological integrity. In terms of breaches and penalties, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Act 2018 may include specific provisions that detail the offences and associated penalties. While the Proclamation itself does not specify penalties, the Act would typically outline the civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance. For instance, breaches of regulations or failure to adhere to the conditions of permits could result in fines, which might vary depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. Additionally, more serious violations could potentially lead to criminal charges, with maximum penalties that would be detailed in the Act. The exact nature and extent of these penalties would be found within the Act itself, which would provide a comprehensive framework for enforcement and compliance.