Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1957 No. 59, made under the Lighthouses Act 1911-1957, was enacted to amend the Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations, specifically addressing the fees, travelling allowances, and fares associated with lighthouses. This regulation was introduced to address the need for updating financial provisions related to lighthouses and maritime navigation in line with changing economic conditions and operational costs. The regulation was enacted by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective of the amendment appears to be to ensure that the financial aspects of lighthouse services, such as fees and allowances, are adequately reflective of current economic realities, thereby supporting the operational efficiency and effectiveness of lighthouse services.

Scope and Application

The Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1957, No. 59, applies to all persons and entities involved in maritime activities within Australian waters, particularly focusing on the payment of light dues for the use of lighthouses and lightvessels. This regulation is a Commonwealth instrument, thus it extends its application across the entire nation, ensuring uniformity in the fees associated with maritime navigation aids. The regulation specifically adjusts the fees and allowances pertaining to the use of lighthouses and lightvessels, impacting shipping companies, vessels, and related maritime industries. Notably, the regulation provides explicit monetary adjustments to existing dues, thereby directly affecting the financial obligations of those who utilise these navigational aids. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are stated within the text, and the regulation does not extend its application through subordinate instruments in this particular statutory rule.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument are found in the amendment of Regulation 11 of the Lighthouses and Light Dues Regulations. Regulation 11, which deals with fees, travelling allowances, and fares, is revised in two key ways. Firstly, sub-regulation (1) is amended to change the fee from "Two pounds two shillings" to "Seven pounds seven shillings" (Regulation 11(1)(a)). Secondly, sub-regulation (2) is altered to modify the travelling allowance from "Two pounds ten shillings" to "Three pounds six shillings" (Regulation 11(1)(b)). These amendments represent a significant change in the financial obligations associated with lighthouse services and fees, impacting both the government and the entities using these services. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation primarily affect those who use the lighthouse services and the entities responsible for maintaining and operating the lighthouses. The amendment of fees and travelling allowances means that individuals and companies relying on these services must now comply with the updated financial requirements. This includes paying the revised fees for using the lighthouses and adhering to the new travelling allowances for personnel involved in the maintenance and operation of these facilities. It is essential that all parties subject to these regulations ensure they are up-to-date with the new financial obligations to avoid any legal repercussions. The regulation does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance within its text; however, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the amended fees and allowances could lead to legal consequences. Under the overarching Lighthouses Act 1911-1957, breaches of the regulations could result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines or other sanctions as determined by the relevant authorities. While the exact penalties are not detailed in this particular legislative instrument, they would be governed by the broader legislative framework provided by the Act.