Meteorological Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Meteorology Act 1906 was enacted to establish the framework for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of meteorological data, ensuring that the nation had a reliable source of weather information. The Act was introduced to address the need for systematic weather observations and forecasts to support various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and maritime activities. The relevant legislature, the Parliament of Australia, established this Act to facilitate the operation of the Bureau of Meteorology, which is tasked with providing essential meteorological services. The policy objective outlined in the Act is to ensure that the Bureau of Meteorology can effectively monitor weather conditions and provide timely and accurate information to the public and various stakeholders. The Statutory Rules 1922, No. 82, which amend the Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, reflect the ongoing efforts to refine the operational aspects of the Act, such as updating the pricing of publications like the Annual Rain Map, to maintain the relevance and efficiency of the services provided.

Scope and Application

The Meteorology Act 1906, as supplemented by Statutory Rules 1922 No. 82, applies to the regulation of meteorology-related activities across the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary focus of these regulations is on the administration and oversight of meteorological data and services, including the dissemination of such information. The Act extends to all meteorological observations, measurements, forecasts, and related publications, ensuring that they are conducted in accordance with the established standards and practices defined within the legislative framework. These regulations apply to individuals and entities involved in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of meteorological data, ensuring that such activities are carried out in a manner that meets national standards. The Regulations provide specific amendments, such as the adjustment of the price for the Annual Rain Map, ensuring that the dissemination of such critical information remains accessible and affordable. The geographic scope of these regulations is national, covering all states and territories within Australia, thereby ensuring uniformity and coherence in meteorological practices across the country. While the primary intent of these regulations is to govern meteorological activities comprehensively, certain exclusions or exemptions may apply as detailed within the subordinate instruments or specific sections of the Act itself.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Statutory Rules 1922, No. 82, which amend the Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, primarily concern the adjustment of the price for the Annual Rain Map (regulation 2(1)). This regulation now specifies that the Annual Rain Map will cost 2 shillings per copy, with postage included free of charge. The primary requirement of these regulations is that any party purchasing an Annual Rain Map must pay the specified amount of 2 shillings, which includes the cost of postage. This is a direct amendment to the previous regulations, which presumably had a different pricing structure or did not include postage in the cost (Statutory Rules 1915, No. 108). These regulations impose specific financial obligations on those who purchase the Annual Rain Map. The purchaser must remit the exact amount of 2 shillings for each copy, with the understanding that the cost includes postage. There are no further obligations placed on the entities or individuals involved beyond the financial transaction of purchasing the map at the stated price. The regulations are straightforward and focus solely on the financial aspect of the transaction. In terms of breaches or non-compliance, the regulations do not explicitly outline any offences or penalties for failing to pay the correct price for the Annual Rain Map. However, if the regulations are part of a larger legislative framework, penalties for non-compliance with other provisions of the Meteorology Act 1906 might apply. The Meteorology Act itself might include provisions for enforcement and penalties, but these are not detailed within the scope of the Statutory Rules 1922, No. 82. Therefore, the primary focus of these regulations is the amendment of the price, with no specific punitive measures outlined for failure to adhere to the new pricing structure.