Meteorological Regulations 1915 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917 No. 218, Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, were enacted to make amendments to the existing meteorological regulations established under the Meteorology Act 1906. This legislation was introduced to address the need for updated pricing and availability of specific meteorological data, particularly flood gauge diagrams. The enacting body for these regulations was the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective behind these amendments is to ensure that essential meteorological data remains accessible and appropriately priced, thereby supporting public and professional use of such data in critical areas such as flood management.

Scope and Application

The Meteorology Regulations 1917, made under the Meteorology Act 1906, apply to individuals, businesses, and entities involved in activities that require meteorological data and services within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations specifically concern the provision and sale of meteorological information and instruments, such as flood gauge diagrams, setting forth the pricing and availability of these materials. The geographic reach of these regulations is confined to the national jurisdiction of Australia, affecting all states and territories uniformly under the authority of the Commonwealth. While the regulations primarily focus on the sale of flood gauge diagrams for specific rivers, they do not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, implying a broad application unless otherwise specified in subordinate instruments. These subordinate instruments can further define or refine the application of the primary regulations, thereby extending or restricting their scope as necessary.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Statutory Rules 1917 No. 218, which amends the Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, are found primarily in Regulation 2(1). This regulation introduces specific amendments concerning the costs associated with obtaining certain meteorological documents. Under the new regulation, the cost of a "Flood Gauge Diagram, Condamine River" is set at 6s per copy, while a "Flood Gauge Diagram, McIntyre River" is provided free of charge (Regulation 2(1)). These amendments serve to update the pricing structure for accessing flood gauge diagrams, ensuring they reflect current costs and availability. The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations pertain to the pricing and provision of specific meteorological documents. The regulation specifies that anyone seeking a "Flood Gauge Diagram, Condamine River" must pay 6s per copy, whereas the "Flood Gauge Diagram, McIntyre River" is to be provided free of charge. These provisions ensure that there is a clear and consistent method for accessing these important documents, which are critical for flood management and meteorological analysis. The regulation also ensures that the Government Printer for the State of Victoria, Albert J. Mullett, is responsible for publishing these documents. The Statutory Rules 1917 No. 218 do not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches of the regulation. However, it is reasonable to infer that non-compliance with the specified pricing and provision requirements could potentially lead to administrative penalties or legal action under the overarching Meteorology Act 1906. While the specific penalties are not detailed in these regulations, they would likely align with the broader framework provided by the Act, which could include fines or other administrative sanctions for improper handling of meteorological documents.