Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2022

Overview

The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2022I was enacted in 2022 to address the need for a seamless transition of ministerial responsibilities in the Treasury Portfolio during periods of ministerial absence or temporary reassignment. Julie Collins, the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Small Business, authorised Catherine King, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, to act on her behalf in relation to specific functions and duties pertaining to housing supply, affordability, or small business policy and programs. This authorisation was made under subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and is part of the broader administrative arrangements outlined in the Schedule to the Administrative Arrangements Order relating to the Department of the Treasury. The authorisation was in effect from 9 January 2023 until 20 January 2023, ensuring continuity in policy implementation and decision-making within the specified timeframe.

Scope and Application

The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2022I specifically applies to Julie Collins, the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Small Business, who delegates certain functions and duties to Catherine King, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government. This delegation pertains to the exercise of powers under specified Acts or provisions of Acts related to housing supply and affordability, as well as small business policy and programs, as outlined in the relevant part of the Schedule to the Administrative Arrangements Order relating to the Department of the Treasury. The authorisation is limited to the period between 9 January 2023 and 20 January 2023, providing Catherine King with the authority to act on Julie Collins' behalf during this timeframe. The instrument is enacted under the authority of subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and is dated 13 December 2022.

Key Provisions

The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2022I, dated 13 December 2022, authorises Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, to act on behalf of Julie Collins, the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Small Business. This authorisation, under subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, is limited to functions, duties, or powers relating to housing supply and affordability or small business policy and programmes. The authorisation is effective from 9 January 2023 until 20 January 2023. Under this authorisation, Catherine King is empowered to perform specific tasks and responsibilities that Julie Collins would typically undertake. This includes making decisions, signing documents, and exercising any powers pertinent to housing supply and affordability or small business policy and programmes. The scope of her authority is clearly defined by the roles and responsibilities outlined in the Part of the Schedule to the Administrative Arrangements Order relating to the Department of the Treasury. The obligations imposed by this authorisation require Catherine King to act within the bounds of her delegated authority. She must ensure that all actions taken are consistent with the legislative intent and the specific areas of housing supply and affordability or small business policy and programmes. Furthermore, she must exercise her powers diligently and in the public interest, adhering to the policies and guidelines set by the relevant departments and the government. The legislation does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches within the authorisation itself. However, any failure to adhere to the scope of authority or misuse of powers could lead to legal challenges, accountability under relevant legislation, or administrative actions. It is implied that any improper exercise of delegated powers would be subject to the broader legal framework governing ministerial actions and responsibilities in Australia.