Meteorological Regulations

Overview

The Meteorological Regulations 1926 were enacted under the Meteorology Act 1906, which sought to establish a national system for the collection, analysis and dissemination of meteorological data. These regulations, made by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Meteorology Act, aimed to govern the sale and distribution of meteorological publications, as well as the provision of expert testimony and certified statements of meteorological conditions. The objective was to ensure that the dissemination of meteorological information was both regulated and accessible, thereby supporting the broader public and governmental interests in weather and climate data. The regulations set forth the prices for various publications issued by the Meteorological Bureau and outlined conditions under which these publications could be distributed free of charge to public institutions, government departments and approved entities, with a focus on educational use, reciprocal services and advertising the resources of the Commonwealth.

Scope and Application

The Meteorological Regulations made under the Meteorology Act 1906 govern the sale and distribution of publications issued by the Meteorological Bureau, as well as the fees for meteorological services and evidence in legal proceedings. These regulations apply to any individual or entity seeking to purchase, distribute, or utilise meteorological publications or services provided by the Bureau, encompassing both domestic and international entities. The regulations apply nationally, as they pertain to the Commonwealth of Australia, and encompass all states and territories within the Commonwealth. There are no specific exclusions or thresholds outlined in the text, but fees are specified for witness appearances and certified statements of meteorological conditions used in legal contexts. The application of these regulations can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, as implied by the legislative process detailed.

Key Provisions

The Meteorological Regulations, made under the Meteorology Act 1906, set out the terms for the sale and distribution of meteorological publications, along with fees for specific services rendered by the Meteorological Branch. Section 2 outlines the sale of various publications issued by the Meteorological Bureau, such as the Annual Rain Map and the Australian Monthly Weather Report and Meteorological Abstract, specifying the prices and whether postage is included. Section 3 details the conditions under which these publications can be distributed free of charge or at cost price to public institutions, government departments, corporations, and approved persons, as well as to official meteorological institutions worldwide. This includes the requirement that the publications be used for public information, educational purposes, reciprocal services, or advertising the Commonwealth's resources. Section 4 establishes fees for services such as witness attendance and certified statements of meteorological conditions, which must be paid when these services are requested for use in legal proceedings. The Meteorological Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties they govern. Section 2 mandates that all subscriptions for publications be paid in advance. Section 3 requires that any distribution of publications to public institutions or other entities be in accordance with the specified conditions, ensuring that the materials are used appropriately or for public benefit. Section 4 sets out the fees that must be paid for certain services rendered by officers of the Meteorological Branch, establishing a clear financial obligation for those who require such expert testimony or certified statements. Breach of the obligations and requirements set out in these Regulations can lead to civil or criminal consequences. While the Regulations do not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance, failure to pay the prescribed fees for witness attendance or certified statements, as outlined in Section 4, could potentially be considered a breach of contract or an infringement of the legal requirements for such services. The specific penalties for these breaches would depend on the context and the applicable laws governing contractual obligations and legal proceedings.