National Security (Copra Control) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1941, No. 234, represents regulations under the National Security Act 1939-1940. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this legislative instrument aims to amend the National Security (Copra Control) Regulations, addressing the specific administrative and operational needs within the Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. These regulations are intended to align the control and management of copra marketing boards with the strategic directives of the National Security Act, ensuring that the governance and regulation of copra remain consistent with national security objectives during a time of heightened global conflict. The policy objective is to streamline the administration of copra control in these territories, facilitating effective oversight and control in alignment with broader national security imperatives.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1941, No. 234, made under the National Security Act 1939-1940, apply specifically to the Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. These regulations pertain to the administration and control of copra, a significant agricultural product in these territories. They modify the National Security (Copra Control) Regulations to replace references to the Prime Minister with the Minister of State for External Territories, thereby updating the administrative framework to align with changes in governmental roles. The regulations also adjust the commencement dates for these provisions in the respective territories, allowing the Minister to set specific dates through notice in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. This legislative instrument is designed to ensure the effective control and marketing of copra within these territories under the broader national security framework. The amendments do not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, but they do clarify the jurisdictional reach and administrative adjustments necessary for the effective implementation of copra control regulations in the specified territories.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Regulations under the National Security Act 1939-1940 (C1941L00234) pertain to the administration and commencement of the National Security (Copra Control) Regulations, as well as definitions and copra marketing boards. Section 1 amends Regulation 2 of the National Security (Copra Control) Regulations by replacing the reference to the "Prime Minister" with the "Minister of State for External Territories". Section 2 repeals Regulation 3 and inserts a new regulation, specifying that the Regulations shall come into operation on dates fixed by the Minister through a notice in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, for the Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea respectively. Section 3 amends Regulation 4 to include a definition regarding the interpretation of the commencement of these Regulations in relation to the respective Territories. Finally, Section 4 modifies Regulation 5 by adding a provision for the purpose of marketing copra produced in either Territory. The Regulations impose certain obligations and requirements on the parties or entities they govern. Specifically, the Minister of State for External Territories is tasked with determining the dates on which the Regulations come into operation in relation to the Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. This is to ensure that the Regulations are implemented in a timely and coordinated manner across the specified Territories. Additionally, the Regulations establish the role of the Minister of State for External Territories in administering the copra control provisions, replacing the previous role of the Prime Minister. The Regulations also outline potential offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches. However, the specific provisions relating to offences, penalties, or consequences are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. It is likely that the National Security Act 1939-1940 or other relevant legislation would contain such information. As such, it is essential to consult the primary Act and any related legislation to fully understand the potential consequences of non-compliance with these Regulations.