Meteorological Regulations 1915 (Amendment)

Overview

The Meteorology Act 1906 was enacted to establish the legal framework for meteorological observations, research, and services in Australia. The Act sought to address the need for a cohesive and systematic approach to meteorology, ensuring that weather data collection and dissemination were centralised and standardised. The regulations enacted under this Act, including the Statutory Rules 1917, No. 193, serve to implement and enforce the provisions of the principal Act by detailing specific operational aspects and administrative measures. These regulations were introduced to ensure that the Meteorology Act 1906 could be effectively administered and that meteorological services could be provided in a timely and organised manner. The enacting body was the Federal Executive Council, acting on the advice of the Governor-General, which underscores the legislative authority and the importance of this regulatory framework in maintaining public safety and economic stability by providing accurate weather information.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, as amended by these Statutory Rules, apply to all entities and individuals involved in the dissemination of weekly or monthly weather notes, including rainfall tables, across the states of Australia. These Regulations outline the pricing structure for such publications, setting a per-copy cost of three pence or an annual subscription rate of ten shillings and six pence, with additional postage costs as applicable. The geographic scope of these Regulations is nationwide, reflecting the Commonwealth's authority over meteorology and the uniformity required in weather reporting across the states. While the Regulations themselves do not specify exclusions or exemptions, they implicitly apply to all entities distributing weather information, thereby ensuring a standardised approach to weather data dissemination. The Regulations are enforceable by the Commonwealth and may be further clarified or expanded upon through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1917, No. 193, which are Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, include the amendment of Regulation 2 (1). This amendment pertains to the pricing and publication of Weekly or Monthly Weather Notes, including Rainfall Tables, issued for each state separately (Regulation 2(1)). According to this amendment, the price per copy of these notes is set at three pence (3d), or alternatively, ten shillings and six pence (10s. 6d) per annum, with an additional charge for postage to be applied (Regulation 2(1)). The obligations and requirements imposed by these Regulations on the parties or entities governed by them involve the structured pricing and dissemination of meteorological information. Specifically, the Regulations mandate that the Weather Notes, inclusive of Rainfall Tables, must be made available at the specified rates to ensure both individual and annual subscription options are provided. Additionally, the Regulations require that postage costs be factored into the total price for each copy distributed (Regulation 2(1)). In terms of potential breaches of these Regulations, the Statutory Rules do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance. However, under the broader Meteorology Act 1906, unauthorised dissemination of meteorological information or failure to adhere to prescribed standards could lead to legal repercussions. Penalties for such breaches may include fines or other civil or criminal consequences, though the exact penalties would be governed by the primary Act and any relevant case law. Given the Regulations are under the Meteorology Act 1906, it is prudent for parties involved in the publication and distribution of meteorological data to ensure strict adherence to the stipulated pricing and publication protocols. Non-compliance could result in legal action, highlighting the importance of accurate and timely adherence to these regulatory requirements.