Meteorological Regulations 1915

Overview

The Meteorological Regulations 1915 were introduced under the Meteorology Act 1906 by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. These regulations aim to facilitate the sale and distribution of meteorological publications issued by the Meteorological Bureau, setting out the rates for various publications and the conditions under which these materials can be distributed free of charge to public institutions, government departments, and approved entities. The policy objective is to ensure the availability and accessibility of meteorological data and reports, while also promoting the use of such information for public benefit, educational purposes, and reciprocal services. By repealing previous regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, the 1915 regulations establish a new framework that streamlines the process for disseminating meteorological information.

Scope and Application

The Meteorological Regulations 1915, made under the Meteorology Act 1906, establish provisions for the sale and distribution of publications issued by the Meteorological Bureau. These regulations apply nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia and govern the sale of specific meteorological publications, including annual maps, reports, bulletins, and charts, with prices specified for individual copies and subscriptions. The regulations also allow for the distribution of these publications at no cost or at the cost price to public institutions, government departments, corporations, and approved individuals, provided they are used for public information, educational purposes, reciprocal services, or advertising the resources of the Commonwealth. Notably, these publications can be distributed free of charge to official meteorological institutions worldwide. The regulations repeal all previous regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, except for any rights, privileges, obligations, or liabilities that have been established under them.

Key Provisions

The Meteorological Regulations 1915 (Meteorological Regulations) set forth the pricing and conditions for the sale and distribution of meteorological publications issued by the Meteorological Bureau. Under Section 2, specific publications such as the Annual Rain Map, Australian Monthly Weather Report and Meteorological Abstract, and various bulletins and maps are listed with their respective sale prices, or they may be provided free of charge under certain conditions. Additionally, Section 2(2) stipulates that other similar publications and maps not explicitly listed can be sold at sixpence and one shilling respectively. Section 3 details the distribution of these publications, allowing for free distribution to public institutions, government departments, corporations, and approved individuals or entities if the publications are posted for public information, used for educational purposes, exchanged for reciprocal services, or required for advertising Commonwealth resources. Furthermore, these publications can be distributed free of charge to official meteorological institutions and similar entities worldwide. The Meteorological Regulations impose obligations on the Meteorological Bureau to provide meteorological information and publications at specified rates or free of charge under certain conditions. Section 2 outlines the pricing for various meteorological publications and permits their sale or free distribution under specified conditions. Section 3 further defines the criteria for free distribution, ensuring that the information reaches entities that can utilise it for public benefit or educational purposes, or those that provide reciprocal services to the Bureau. These obligations ensure that meteorological data is both accessible and utilised effectively by various stakeholders. Breaches of the obligations and requirements outlined in the Meteorological Regulations may result in civil or administrative penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the Regulations, breaches of similar legislative provisions typically result in fines or other penalties as prescribed by law. In cases where the sale or distribution of publications is conducted under false pretenses or for unauthorised purposes, additional criminal penalties may apply. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and could include fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences as determined by the relevant authorities.