Meteorological Regulations 1915 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920 No. 176 represents an amendment to the Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, enacted to update the pricing structure for meteorological publications. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for revised rates for weather notes and rainfall tables, reflecting changes in economic conditions or operational costs within the meteorology sector. The regulations were enacted by Sir William Hill Irvine, the Deputy of the Governor-General, in consultation with the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation immediately upon their promulgation on 29 September 1920. The policy objective behind these amendments was to ensure that the pricing of meteorological information remained accessible and relevant to the public and stakeholders while maintaining the operational integrity of the meteorological services provided by the government.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, enacted by the Deputy of the Governor-General, apply to the provision and pricing of meteorological data and publications within the Commonwealth of Australia. These Regulations specifically address the cost associated with Weekly and Monthly Weather Notes, including rainfall tables, setting the price at six pence per copy or £1 1s. per annum, with postage additional. The Regulations pertain to the dissemination of meteorological information and services, ensuring that such data is made available to the public and various entities under specified conditions and costs. The geographic scope of these Regulations is confined to the Commonwealth, extending uniformly across Australia. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined within these Regulations themselves, though the application and interpretation may be further defined through subordinate instruments or amendments. This legislative instrument underscores the federal government's role in regulating the dissemination of meteorological information, ensuring consistency and accessibility across the nation.

Key Provisions

The Meteorology Act 1906, as amended by the Statutory Rules 1920 No. 176, sets forth the regulations for the dissemination of meteorological data, specifically concerning the pricing of weekly and monthly weather notes. Section 2 of these regulations provides that weekly and monthly weather notes, including rainfall tables, can be purchased at a rate of sixpence (6d) per copy or one pound one shilling (£1 1s) per annum, with postage included. These notes are essential for various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and emergency services, as they provide critical weather information that aids in planning and decision-making. These regulations impose clear obligations on the entities responsible for producing and distributing the weather notes. The Bureau of Meteorology, as the governing body, is mandated to ensure that these notes are produced in accordance with the specified prices. This means that the Bureau must maintain consistent pricing structures and ensure that the notes are readily available to the public or subscribers as outlined in the regulations. Furthermore, the Bureau must also handle the logistical aspects of distribution, including postage and timely delivery, to meet the needs of the consumers who rely on this information. Breaches of these regulations could lead to both civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, under the Meteorology Act 1906, penalties for non-compliance with such regulations could include fines or other enforcement actions. The Act allows for the imposition of penalties for failure to adhere to the stipulated prices or for any fraudulent practices in the distribution of these weather notes. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but they could potentially include significant financial penalties, legal action, or other corrective measures to ensure compliance and protect the interests of the public who depend on accurate and timely weather information.