Interpretation Statute 2009

Overview

The Australian National University Interpretation Statute 2009 was enacted to provide a consistent framework for the interpretation of the Australian National University's legislation. This statute complements and applies the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to the university's laws, ensuring that there is uniformity and clarity in the interpretation of its legislative instruments. By aligning with the federal Acts Interpretation Act, the statute aims to enhance the coherence and predictability of the university's legal framework. The enactment of this statute was authorised under section 50 of the Australian National University Act 1991. The Council of the Australian National University approved the statute on 4 December 2009, reflecting the institution's commitment to maintaining a well-structured and legally sound legislative environment. The statute does not incorporate any documents by reference, ensuring that its scope remains clear and focused on its primary objective of providing an interpretative framework for the university's legislation.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Interpretation Statute 2009 applies to the legislation of the Australian National University and serves to complement the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. This statute is integral in ensuring that the University's legislative framework is interpreted in a manner consistent with the broader Australian legislative context. The scope of this legislation extends to the interpretation of all laws enacted or administered by the Australian National University, thus encompassing any persons or entities subject to these laws, including students, staff, and affiliates of the University. Geographically, its reach is limited to the operations and jurisdiction of the Australian National University. The statute does not incorporate any documents by reference, and any consultation and approval processes were conducted internally by the University's Council, which approved the Statute on 4 December 2009. While the statute itself does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, its application may be further defined or restricted through subordinate instruments or specific provisions within the University's legislative framework.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Interpretation Statute 2009 (F2009L04579) operates under the authority of the Australian National University Act 1991, section 50 (1). It serves to complement and apply the provisions of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to the legislation of the University (2). Notably, there are no documents incorporated in the Statute by reference (3). The Council of the University reviewed and approved the Statute on 4 December 2009, with the Council and Boards Secretariat subsequently endorsing it on 7 December 2009 (4). Under this Statute, the primary obligation on the parties and entities governed by it is to interpret and apply the University's legislation in accordance with the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (2). This means that any legislative instruments created by the University must be interpreted using the same principles and rules as those established by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. This ensures consistency in the application and interpretation of the University's laws and regulations across the board. Breaches of the obligations set out in the Statute may not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences within the Statute itself. However, the general legal framework of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 applies. Under this framework, misinterpretation or non-compliance with legislative instruments could potentially lead to legal challenges, judicial review, or other civil or criminal consequences depending on the specific circumstances and the extent of the breach. It is important to note that the maximum penalties for such breaches would be determined by the relevant laws and regulations governing the matter in question, rather than the Statute itself.