STATUTORY RULES.
1942. No. 11.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL SECURITY ACT 1939–1940.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the National Security Act 1939-1940.
Dated this twelfth day of January, 1942.
(SGD.) GOWRIE.
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
for and on behalf of the Minister of State for Defence Co-ordination.
Amendments of the National Security (Australian Tobacco Leaf) Regulations.†
Australian Tobacco Board.
1. Regulation 4 of the National Security (Australian Tobacco Leaf) Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (1.) the word “three” and inserting in its stead the word “five”;
(b) by omitting from paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (1.) the word “three” and inserting in its stead the word “two”; and
(c) by omitting from paragraph (d) of sub-regulation (1.) the words “three persons” and inserting in their stead the words “one person”.
Meetings of the Board.
2. Regulation 7 of the National Security (Australian Tobacco Leaf) Regulations is amended by omitting from sub-regulation (3.) the word “six” and inserting in its stead the word “five”.
*Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on , 1942.
†Statutory Rules 1941, No. 97.
By Authority: L. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.
31.—22/2.1.1942.—Price 3d.
Overview
Statutory Rules 1942, No. 11, made under the National Security Act 1939-1940, were enacted to address the need for urgent regulatory amendments to the National Security (Australian Tobacco Leaf) Regulations during the early stages of World War II. The Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, issued these regulations to adapt to the changing economic and security landscape. The policy objective was to streamline and adjust the regulatory framework governing the Australian Tobacco Board to better align with the exigencies of the wartime context, ensuring more efficient and effective management of tobacco leaf resources. This legislative instrument reflects the critical measures taken by the Australian government to mobilise resources and coordinate efforts in response to the pressing demands of the national security situation.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1942 No. 11, Regulations under the National Security Act 1939-1940, pertain specifically to the amendments of the National Security (Australian Tobacco Leaf) Regulations. These regulations apply to the Australian Tobacco Board and are concerned with the control and regulation of Australian tobacco leaf. The regulations impact the entities involved in the production and handling of tobacco leaf, ensuring compliance with national security measures during wartime. The scope of these regulations extends to modifying the existing rules concerning the number of individuals allowed to be present at meetings of the Board and adjusting the thresholds related to the quantities of tobacco leaf that can be held by certain persons. The amendments aim to refine the oversight and administration of tobacco leaf within the context of national security, reflecting the changing circumstances of the period.
These regulations are geographically and jurisdictionally confined to the Commonwealth of Australia and are issued under the authority of the National Security Act 1939-1940. The Act itself provides a broad legislative framework for measures necessary for the defence and security of Australia, allowing for detailed regulation through subordinate instruments such as these Statutory Rules. The amendments made by these regulations are precise and limited to specific numerical adjustments, without introducing any new substantive changes or exclusions. The Regulations are intended to be implemented with immediate effect, underscoring their importance in the context of wartime national security efforts.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of these Regulations pertain to amendments of the National Security (Australian Tobacco Leaf) Regulations. Regulation 4, which details the composition of the Australian Tobacco Board, is amended by altering the numerical requirements for certain positions. Specifically, paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (1) changes from requiring "three" individuals to "five," paragraph (c) from "three" to "two," and paragraph (d) from "three persons" to "one person." Additionally, Regulation 7, which addresses the meetings of the Board, is modified by reducing the quorum from "six" to "five." These changes reflect adjustments to the administrative structure and meeting requirements of the Australian Tobacco Board to better align with the national security objectives during the specified period.
The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the Australian Tobacco Board as a result of these amendments. The Board must now ensure that its meetings are attended by a minimum of five members to constitute a quorum, as per the changes to Regulation 7. Additionally, the Board's composition must reflect the updated numerical requirements outlined in Regulation 4, ensuring that there are five individuals in one position, two in another, and only one person in the final specified role. These obligations are crucial to maintaining the operational efficiency and regulatory compliance of the Board within the national security framework.
Any breach of the requirements set out in these Regulations could lead to civil or criminal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of regulations under the National Security Act 1939-1940 could potentially result in penalties as prescribed by law. The severity of these penalties may depend on the nature and extent of the breach, with possible outcomes including fines, imprisonment, or other forms of legal sanction. It is important for the Australian Tobacco Board to adhere strictly to these amended regulations to avoid any adverse legal consequences.