National Security (Allied Works) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1945 No. 112, made under the National Security Act 1939-1943, addresses the need to adapt regulations related to the administration of allied works and housing during a period of national emergency. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations aim to streamline the administration of works and housing under the National Security Act by aligning the Department of Works and Housing with the Director-General's responsibilities. The policy objective is to ensure that any existing instruments and references concerning allied works and housing are seamlessly transitioned under the new departmental structure, thereby maintaining continuity and efficiency in the execution of national security measures.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1945, No. 112, under the National Security Act 1939-1943, pertain to the amendment of the National Security (Allied Works) Regulations. These Regulations apply to the administration and management of works and housing related to national security, particularly in the context of the Second World War. The Regulations are enforced by the Director-General, Department of Works and Housing, and any references to previous positions such as the Director-General of Allied Works or the Director-General of Works, Department of Works, are now to be read as the Director-General, Department of Works and Housing. The amendments ensure continuity of existing instruments made under the old regulations, allowing them to remain in effect as if they were issued by the new authority. This legislative action ensures a smooth transition and maintains the integrity of ongoing works and housing projects essential for national security during wartime.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules of 1945, No. 112, made under the National Security Act 1939-1943, primarily focus on amending the National Security (Allied Works) Regulations. Regulation 2 changes the term "Works" to "Works and Housing" and Regulation 3 redefines "the Director-General" as the Director-General of the Department of Works and Housing. Regulation 6a similarly replaces "Works" with "Works and Housing" in sub-regulation (2). Regulation 4 mandates that any reference to the Director-General of Allied Works or the Director-General of Works, Department of Works, in any instrument, award, order, contract, agreement, or direction should be read as a reference to the Director-General, Department of Works and Housing. These regulations impose specific obligations on parties and entities governed by them, primarily those involved in works and housing under the National Security (Allied Works) Regulations. The changes require that any existing instruments, orders, determinations, contracts, agreements, or directions made by the Director-General of Allied Works or the Director-General of Works, Department of Works, prior to the commencement of these regulations, continue in force as if made by the Director-General, Department of Works and Housing. These instruments may be revoked, suspended, or varied in accordance with the amended regulations. The Statutory Rules do not explicitly mention any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach of the regulations. However, it is implicit that failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal actions or administrative penalties as outlined in the overarching National Security Act 1939-1943. Given that these regulations are made under the Act, any breach might attract the penalties and consequences specified within the broader framework of the Act, which could include fines, imprisonment, or other legal repercussions as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities.