STATUTORY RULES.
1945. No. 7.
REGULATION UNDER THE NATIONAL SECURITY ACT 1939-1943.*
I, THE ADMINISTRATOR of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the National Security Act 1939-1943.
Dated this seventeenth day of January, 1945.
W. DUGAN
Administrator.
By His Excellency’s Command,
F.M. FORDE
for and on behalf of the Minister of State for Defence.
Amendment of the National Security (Prices) Regulations.†
Statements that prices have been approved by the Commissioner prohibited without his approval.
Regulation 27 of the National Security (Prices) Regulations is amended by adding, at the end of sub-regulation (1.), the words “or that any such goods or services have been subsidized by the Commonwealth”.
* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 18th January, 1945.
† Statutory Rules 1940, No. 176, as amended by Statutory Rules 1940, Nos. 219 and 294; 1941, Nos. 54 and 251; 1942, No. 513; 1943, Nos. 220, 264 and 278; and 1944, Nos. 25, 83, 94, 113 and 152.
By Authority: L.F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.
7397.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules of 1945, No. 7, are Regulations made under the National Security Act 1939-1943, enacted during the Second World War to address the pressing need for economic control and stability within Australia. These regulations were introduced by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The primary objective of these regulations was to amend the National Security (Prices) Regulations to prohibit any statements claiming that prices had been approved by the Commissioner without his explicit approval, thereby preventing misinformation and ensuring that any claims of government approval were truthful and authorized. This legislative measure aimed to maintain public trust and prevent economic disruption by controlling the dissemination of information regarding approved prices and subsidies.
The Regulations, as amended, also included a prohibition on stating that any goods or services had been subsidised by the Commonwealth without the appropriate approval, reinforcing the control over economic communications during a time of national emergency. The regulations were published in the Commonwealth Gazette on 18th January, 1945, and were intended to support the broader policy objectives of the National Security Act, which was enacted to safeguard the nation during wartime by managing economic activities and resources effectively.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules of 1945, No. 7, under the National Security Act 1939-1943, are a set of regulations enacted to address economic controls during wartime. These regulations primarily apply to individuals and entities within the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing various industries and transactions to ensure that economic activities align with national security objectives. The regulations extend to prohibiting statements regarding approved prices or subsidies without explicit approval from the Commissioner. This regulatory framework underscores the overarching national interest and the government's authority to control economic information and transactions during periods of conflict. The regulations are part of a broader legislative effort to manage economic resources and mitigate potential risks to national security.
These regulations are specific to the Commonwealth and are enforced to maintain the stability and integrity of the wartime economy. The geographic reach is limited to Australia, with the regulations binding all persons and entities operating within the country's borders. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions mentioned in these regulations, indicating a comprehensive application to all relevant economic activities. The regulations can be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments as necessary to meet evolving national security needs.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of this legislative instrument focus on amending the National Security (Prices) Regulations, specifically Regulation 27 (sub-regulation 1). The amendment adds new wording to prohibit statements claiming that goods or services have been approved by the Commissioner or subsidized by the Commonwealth without explicit approval from the Commissioner. This amendment is intended to ensure strict control over communications regarding price approvals and subsidies during a period of national security concern.
This Act imposes specific obligations on entities involved in the dissemination of information regarding prices of goods or services. These entities must ensure that any statements about the approval or subsidy of such goods or services by the Commonwealth are made only with the explicit approval of the Commissioner. This requirement aims to maintain transparency and control over economic communications during a critical period, ensuring that only authorised information is disseminated to the public.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation may lead to various consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed in the excerpt, the regulation's strict control over information dissemination suggests that unauthorised statements could result in legal action. Typically, breaches of regulations under the National Security Act could lead to fines, imprisonment, or other penalties as deemed appropriate by the court. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the specific provisions of the broader National Security Act.