Meteorological Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1925, No. 118, constitute Regulations made under the Meteorology Act 1906, with the aim of regulating various aspects of meteorological information and services in Australia. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council's advice, these Regulations, dated 8th July 1925, were signed by the Minister of State for Home and Territories, G. F. Pearce. The primary objective of these Regulations is to amend existing provisions by including new publications and their prices, thereby updating the resources available to the public under the Act. This legislative instrument addresses the need to provide comprehensive and updated meteorological information to the public, facilitating better preparedness and understanding of weather conditions.

Scope and Application

The Meteorology Regulations 1925, made under the Meteorology Act 1906, apply to a broad range of activities and entities related to meteorological observations, data, and services within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations concern the activities of meteorological observers, the production and dissemination of meteorological data, and the provision of meteorological information and services. They govern the standards, methods, and practices that must be adhered to in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of meteorological information. The regulations apply to meteorological observers, meteorological officers, and other personnel involved in the collection and dissemination of meteorological data, as well as to entities that provide or use meteorological services. The scope of these regulations extends to all aspects of meteorology, including weather observations, forecasts, and the publication of meteorological bulletins and reports. The regulations do not explicitly exclude any particular persons, entities, or industries from their application, although they are primarily concerned with the professional practice of meteorology. The geographic reach of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, as they are issued under federal legislation. However, they may also have implications for state and territory authorities that engage in meteorological activities, particularly those that rely on or contribute to the national meteorological data network. The regulations are not limited by any stated thresholds but apply to all activities within their scope. The application of these regulations may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, such as additional regulations or guidelines issued under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1906. These subordinate instruments may provide further detail on specific aspects of meteorological practice or may introduce additional requirements or restrictions.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, as amended, establish the prices for various publications related to meteorology (reg. 2(1)). For instance, the Australian Meteorological Observers’ Handbook is priced at 5 shillings, while Bulletin No. 16, which discusses Australian hurricanes and related storms, is available for 2 shillings. Similarly, Bulletin No. 17, which covers various weather observations and atmospheric pollution, also costs 2 shillings. The Australian Environment publication is priced at 5 shillings, and maps of normal meteorological conditions in Australia, both mounted and unmounted, are priced at 3 shillings 6 pence and 2 shillings respectively. These prices reflect the costs associated with obtaining essential meteorological literature and resources. The obligations under these Regulations are primarily related to the procurement and dissemination of meteorological information. The Meteorology Act 1906 mandates the provision of accurate and timely weather data, and these Regulations ensure that this data is made available to the public at specified prices. Entities and individuals seeking to obtain these publications must adhere to the pricing outlined in the Regulations, ensuring a standardised and accessible approach to meteorological information. Additionally, the Regulations specify that all publications are to be supplied with postage free, simplifying the procurement process for the consumer. Failure to comply with the pricing and distribution stipulations outlined in these Regulations may result in various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, it is reasonable to infer that breaches of these provisions could lead to civil or administrative penalties under the broader framework of the Meteorology Act 1906. For example, inaccuracies in pricing or delays in distribution could be subject to corrective actions or fines, ensuring that the public continues to receive reliable and timely meteorological information. The exact penalties would be determined by the relevant authorities in accordance with the overarching legislative framework.