Ministers of State Act 1967

Overview

The Ministers of State Act 1967 was enacted to amend the Ministers of State Act 1952-1966, addressing the need to adjust the number of Ministers and their salaries to reflect changes in the Commonwealth's administrative needs. This Act was passed by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary objective of the Act is to update the numerical limit of Ministers and their respective remuneration, as stipulated in the original Act. The amendment increases the maximum number of Ministers from twenty-five to twenty-six and adjusts their annual salary from one hundred and ninety-one thousand three hundred dollars to one hundred and ninety-seven thousand three hundred dollars. This legislative update ensures that the framework governing the appointment and remuneration of Ministers remains relevant and reflective of the evolving demands of the Australian government. By increasing the number of Ministers and their salaries, the Act aims to accommodate a more expansive ministerial portfolio, thereby enhancing the government's capacity to address contemporary issues and policy initiatives effectively.

Scope and Application

The Ministers of State Act 1967 applies to the offices and duties of Ministers of State in the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, it amends the original Ministers of State Act 1952–1966 to adjust the number of Ministers and their salaries. The Act increases the maximum number of Ministers from twenty-five to twenty-six and updates the annual salary of a Minister from one hundred and ninety-one thousand three hundred dollars to one hundred and ninety-seven thousand three hundred dollars. This legislation is applicable across the Commonwealth, affecting all Ministers and their remuneration within the federal government. There are no exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the Act, and it does not extend its application through subordinate instruments. Instead, it directly modifies the Principal Act, ensuring that the changes are incorporated into the existing framework governing federal Ministers of State.

Key Provisions

The Ministers of State Act 1967 primarily amends the Ministers of State Act 1952-1966 by adjusting the number of Ministers and their salaries. Under section 3 of the Act, it changes the maximum number of Ministers from twenty-five to twenty-six, allowing for one additional ministerial position. Additionally, section 4 of the Act updates the salary of Ministers from one hundred and ninety-one thousand three hundred dollars to one hundred and ninety-seven thousand three hundred dollars, reflecting an adjustment to their remuneration. The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities it governs, primarily concerning the structure of the Ministry. By increasing the number of Ministers, the Act mandates that the Government must now provide for twenty-six ministerial positions, which may necessitate adjustments in the allocation of responsibilities and resources within the Government. Furthermore, the Act requires adherence to the new salary scale for Ministers, ensuring that they are compensated according to the updated figure set out in section 4. Breach of the provisions outlined in this Act could lead to legal consequences, although the Act itself does not explicitly state penalties or offences for non-compliance. However, any failure to adhere to the prescribed number of Ministers or the updated salary scale might result in broader legal scrutiny or challenges under other applicable laws or regulations. Given that the Act is a legislative amendment, non-compliance could potentially lead to judicial review or other legal actions to enforce the statutory requirements. The exact consequences would depend on the context in which non-compliance occurs and the specific legal framework governing ministerial appointments and remuneration.