EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Statutory Rules 1984 No. 69
Subject: Homeless Persons Assistance Act 1974 -
Homeless Persons Assistance Regulations (Repeal)
(Issued by Authority of the Minister for Social Security, Senator the Hon Don Grimes.)
The Homeless Persons Assistance Regulations which were made pursuant to section 19 of the Homeless Persons Assistance Act 19 74 (the Act) provided -
(a) the prescribed rates for the purposes of calculating subsidy payable to eligible organisations which provided accommodation or meals for homeless persons under subsections 9(1) and 10(1) of the Act; and
(b) the prescribed rates of remuneration and travelling allowance for members of a committee established under the Act for the purpose of providing to the Minister advice on matters relating to the administration of the Act.
Sub-sections 9(1) and 10(1) were amended by the Social Security Legislation Amendment Act 1983. As a result, the Minister may now make payments by way of subsidy in respect of a homeless person to an eligible organisation at the rate of $1.50 per night of accommodation provided and §0.50 per meal provided. Higher rates may be determined by the Minister by notice published in the Gazette.
In addition, as a result of the Review of Commonwealth functions in 1981, the Committee to advise the Minister was abolished. At this stage, it is not proposed to appoint a further Committee and, should one be required at some future date, the members will receive remuneration and allowances at rates determined by the Remuneration Tribunal pursuant to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
As a result, the Homeless Persons Assistance Regulations are no longer required, and the proposed regulations will effect repeal.