Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2024

Overview

The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2024I, enacted on 27 August 2024 by Clare O’Neil, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, provides a temporary delegation of authority to Bill Shorten, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services. This authorisation, effective from 29 August 2024 to 30 August 2024, is issued under subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. The purpose of this instrument is to allow Bill Shorten to act on Clare O’Neil's behalf in performing her functions and duties or exercising her powers related to housing supply and affordability, as outlined in the relevant part of the Schedule to the Administrative Arrangements Order pertaining to the Department of the Treasury. This legislative instrument ensures a seamless transition and continuity in the administration of housing-related matters during the specified period. The enacting body for this authorisation is the Parliament of Australia, which established the framework for such delegations through the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. The policy objective underlying this authorisation is to facilitate effective governance and administrative efficiency within the Treasury Portfolio, particularly in addressing housing supply and affordability issues, ensuring that responsibilities are managed proficiently even during temporary changes in ministerial roles.

Scope and Application

The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2024I pertains to the delegation of specific functions and duties from Clare O'Neil, the Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, to Bill Shorten, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services. This authorisation is specifically for tasks related to housing supply and affordability as outlined in the relevant section of the Administrative Arrangements Order concerning the Department of the Treasury. The authorisation allows Bill Shorten to act on behalf of Clare O'Neil in performing or exercising powers under applicable legislation during the period from 29 August 2024 to 30 August 2024. This instrument is issued under subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, and its application is limited to the specified date range.

Key Provisions

The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2024I, issued by Clare O’Neil, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, under subsection 34AAB(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, authorises Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services, to act on her behalf in the performance of her functions and duties, or the exercise of her powers, that she may perform or exercise under an Act or a provision of an Act, relating to housing supply and affordability. This authorisation is specifically tied to the functions outlined in the relevant part of the Schedule to the Administrative Arrangements Order pertaining to the Department of the Treasury. This instrument is effective from 29 August 2024 and will conclude on 30 August 2024. The primary obligations imposed by this Act require Clare O’Neil, in her capacity as the Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, to delegate specific functions and duties to Bill Shorten, focusing on the aspects of housing supply and affordability. This delegation ensures continuity in the administration of these critical areas, particularly in the event of Clare O’Neil’s temporary absence or inability to perform her duties. This arrangement is structured to maintain the smooth operation of governmental processes without interruption. Under this authorisation, Bill Shorten assumes the responsibilities of Clare O’Neil in relation to housing supply and affordability. This includes decision-making, policy implementation, and any other functions that fall within the scope of the authorised powers. The delegation is specific and limited to the functions outlined, ensuring that Bill Shorten’s acting role is clearly defined and constrained to the areas pertinent to housing supply and affordability. The Ministerial Powers (Acting Arrangements in the Treasury Portfolio) (No. 6) Authorisation 2024I does not explicitly outline offences or penalties for breaches of its provisions. However, any breach of the authorised functions or misuse of delegated powers could potentially lead to administrative and legal consequences. Given the sensitive nature of the roles involved, any unauthorised exercise of powers or failure to adhere to the scope of the authorisation could result in disciplinary action, legal challenges, or other repercussions as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities.