National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1947, No. 32, made under the Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1946, aim to address the transitional needs following the end of World War II by amending the National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations. Enacted by the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia, W. Dugan, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations reflect the policy objective of smoothly transitioning economic controls and governance structures from wartime to peacetime conditions. This legislative instrument, published in the Commonwealth Gazette on 12th March 1947, ensures continuity in economic regulation by reallocating certain responsibilities from the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner to the Chairman of the Joint Coal Board, thereby adapting to the new post-war economic landscape.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule, made under the Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1946, amends the National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations to alter rates permissible in certain cases. Specifically, it modifies Regulation 18 to change the person to whom matters affecting members of the Australian Coal and Shale Employees’ Federation are to be referred from the Chairman of the Joint Coal Board to the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner, except for those members who are excepted by the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner or the Joint Coal Board. The amendment also replaces references to the "Commonwealth Coal Commissioner" with references to the "Chairman of the Joint Coal Board" in sub-regulations (4) and (5). This regulation applies to the persons and entities involved in the coal industry in Australia, specifically those associated with the Australian Coal and Shale Employees’ Federation. The rule is enacted at the Commonwealth level and its scope is limited to the transitional provisions concerning the coal industry, as specified in the Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1946. The regulation is one of many amendments to the National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations, reflecting the evolving transitional needs post-war.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1947, No. 32, made under the Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1946, amend the National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations by altering the rates permissible in certain cases. Specifically, Regulation 18 of these Regulations is amended to reflect changes in the leadership of coal-related entities. Instead of the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner, the Chairman of the Joint Coal Board is now designated as the authority to whom certain matters pertaining to the Australian Coal and Shale Employees' Federation must be reported (Regulation 18(3)(a)). Additionally, references to the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner in sub-regulations (4) and (5) are replaced with references to the Chairman of the Joint Coal Board (Regulation 18(4) and (5)). These amendments are aimed at ensuring that the regulatory framework aligns with the current organizational structure following the end of wartime measures and the transition to peacetime. The obligations imposed by these amendments are primarily on the Australian Coal and Shale Employees' Federation and the entities involved in the coal industry. The Federation must now report to the Chairman of the Joint Coal Board instead of the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner. This change reflects the shift in administrative control and is intended to streamline reporting and compliance processes within the coal industry, ensuring that relevant authorities are kept informed of significant economic activities and matters affecting coal employees. Failure to comply with these amendments and the updated reporting requirements could result in legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the statutory rules themselves, breaches of regulations made under the Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1946 could potentially lead to civil or criminal penalties as outlined in the parent act or other related legislation. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the specific circumstances of the breach and any relevant statutory provisions. However, it is clear that adherence to the updated regulations is crucial to avoid potential legal ramifications.