EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Statutory Rules 1988 No. 259
National Measurement Act 1960
National Measurement Regulations (Amendment)
Issued by the Authority of the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce.
1. The National Measurement Regulations (Amendment) amends the Schedules of Australian legal units of measurement contained in the Regulations to the National Measurement Act 1960 to include various units of measurement which, due to technological advances, have become more commonly used in recent years.
2. These amendments were proposed by the National Standards Commission following consultation with the CSIRO National Measurement Laboratory, the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the Australian Radiation Laboratory, Standards Australia, the Department of Aviation and the Department of Defence.
Overview
The National Measurement Regulations (Amendment) 1988, issued under the authority of the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, amends the Schedules of Australian legal units of measurement in the Regulations to the National Measurement Act 1960. This legislative amendment aims to address the problem of outdated legal measurement standards that fail to encompass various units of measurement increasingly used due to recent technological advancements. By updating these standards, the legislation seeks to ensure that the legal framework remains current and relevant, reflecting the evolving nature of technology and its impact on measurement practices. This amendment was proposed by the National Standards Commission following consultations with several key organisations, including the CSIRO National Measurement Laboratory and Standards Australia, to ensure comprehensive and expert-backed updates to the legal units of measurement.
Scope and Application
The National Measurement Regulations (Amendment), issued under the authority of the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, pertains to the amendments of the schedules of Australian legal units of measurement as outlined in the Regulations to the National Measurement Act 1960. These amendments are aimed at updating the units of measurement to include those that have gained prevalence due to technological advancements. The regulations apply nationally, affecting all entities and industries that rely on accurate measurement standards across Australia. While the specific units added to the legal framework are not detailed in the explanatory statement, the amendments are intended to ensure that Australia's measurement standards remain current and effective. The National Standards Commission proposed these amendments following consultations with various relevant authorities, including the CSIRO National Measurement Laboratory and Standards Australia, among others. This update is intended to maintain the integrity and reliability of measurements used in commerce, science, and defence, ensuring compliance with national standards.
Key Provisions
The National Measurement Regulations (Amendment) introduces updates to the Schedules of Australian legal units of measurement, as outlined in Section 1 of the Explanatory Statement. These amendments, found in Statutory Rules 1988 No. 259, are designed to incorporate units of measurement that have gained prevalence due to technological advancements. This update ensures that the legal framework remains current and reflective of contemporary practices and standards (Section 1).
The main operative sections of these regulations involve the amendment of the Schedules to the National Measurement Act 1960. This includes the incorporation of new units of measurement which have become more commonly used over recent years. By doing so, the Act seeks to maintain the integrity and relevance of the measurement standards that underpin various industries and sectors within Australia (Section 1).
Entities and parties governed by the National Measurement Act 1960 are subject to several obligations and requirements as stipulated by the amendments. These include adhering to the newly updated Schedules, ensuring that all measurements and units of measurement used comply with the legal standards set out in the Act. This may involve updating internal documentation, training staff, and ensuring that all equipment and processes align with the revised standards (Section 1).
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth by the National Measurement Act 1960 and its amendments can lead to significant consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed in the provided text, the overarching implication is that non-compliance can result in legal action. The penalties could potentially include fines or other sanctions, depending on the severity of the breach and the specific provisions of the Act. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is therefore crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential legal repercussions (Section 1).