Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations 1970 are statutory rules enacted under the authority of the Governor-General in accordance with the Lighthouses Act 1911-1966. These regulations, which came into effect on 1 October 1970, aim to amend the existing regulations by adjusting the rate of light dues for vessels using Australian lighthouses and lightvessels. This adjustment was made to ensure the rates are reflective of contemporary economic conditions and to maintain the operational funding for these critical maritime navigational aids. The regulations were promulgated by the Governor-General, Paul Hasluck, on the advice of the Minister of State for Shipping and Transport, Ian Sinclair, thus formalising the legislative process that ensures the ongoing functionality and maintenance of Australia's lighthouse infrastructure.

Scope and Application

The Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations, as amended by the Statutory Rules 1970 No. 138, apply to all vessels, operators, and maritime entities within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Lighthouses Act 1911-1966. These regulations primarily govern the rates of light dues payable for the use of Australian lighthouses and light vessels, with the amendments adjusting the dues from eighteen cents to twenty cents. The regulations apply to all vessels that benefit from Australian lighthouses, irrespective of their size, flag, or ownership, ensuring a uniform application across the maritime industry. The geographic reach of these regulations extends to the territorial waters of Australia, including its territorial sea and internal waters. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text, implying that all maritime entities within the jurisdiction are subject to the regulations unless otherwise specified by subordinate instruments. These subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of the regulations, providing more detailed guidance or specific exceptions where necessary.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations, which amend the Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations, include the amendment to Regulation 15 (paragraph 2). This amendment updates the rate of light dues from eighteen cents to twenty cents. This change is effective from the first day of October, 1970, as stipulated in paragraph 1. These Regulations impose specific obligations on parties and entities governed by the Lighthouses Act 1911-1966. Primarily, the new rate of light dues must be adhered to by all relevant parties, meaning that any fees associated with the use of lighthouses or light dues services will now be twenty cents, as per the amendment in paragraph 2. This adjustment is intended to align with the updated rates necessary for the maintenance and operation of lighthouse services. Breaching these Regulations may result in various consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance. While the Regulations themselves do not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or specific civil or criminal consequences, breaches of related legislation under the Lighthouses Act 1911-1966 can lead to legal action. Such actions may include fines or other penalties as prescribed by the overarching Act. It is important for entities and individuals to ensure compliance to avoid any potential repercussions.