Overview

The Gazette C2015G00505, dated 2 April 2015, announces the official notification of The Queen's Birthday in 2016. Enacted by the Governor-General, this legislation specifies Saturday, 11 June, as the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen for the year 2016. The purpose of this Act is to provide clarity and ensure that the official celebration aligns with the recognised date, contributing to the continuity of national traditions and public observances. The enactment aims to maintain the cultural and ceremonial significance of The Queen’s Birthday in Australia, reflecting the historical ties between the Commonwealth realms.

Scope and Application

The Queen's Birthday 2016 Act, which was approved by Her Majesty The Queen and gazetted on 2 April 2015, designates Saturday, 11 June, as Her Official Birthday in 2016. This Act applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and all its territories, establishing a public holiday to be observed on the specified date. The primary aim of the Act is to provide a formal recognition of The Queen's Official Birthday, allowing for appropriate celebrations and observances across the nation. The Act's scope is limited to the declaration of the public holiday and does not extend to any specific conduct, transactions, or entities, unless such are incidentally affected by the holiday provisions. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the Act itself; however, the application and implications of the holiday may be further defined by subordinate instruments or regulations as needed.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the legislation, C2015G00505, pertain to the declaration of The Queen's Official Birthday in 2016. Section 1 of the Act specifically states that the Governor-General, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, directs that Saturday, 11 June 2016, is designated as Her Official Birthday. This proclamation is made for general information and is intended to inform the public of the official date and allow for appropriate arrangements and celebrations. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are relatively straightforward. The primary obligation falls on the Governor-General, as the representative of The Queen, to formally announce the designated date of The Queen's Official Birthday. This requirement ensures that the public is made aware of the official date, enabling individuals and organisations to plan their activities accordingly. The Act also includes a provision for the Official Secretary to the Governor-General to authenticate the notification, which underscores the formal and official nature of the announcement. In terms of the consequences for non-compliance, the Act does not explicitly outline any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, the importance of the announcement suggests a strong expectation of adherence to the designated date. While the Act itself does not specify penalties, any significant deviation from the announced date could potentially lead to public confusion or logistical issues in planning celebrations and official events. The emphasis on the formal announcement indicates the importance of following the declared date to maintain consistency and order in national observances.