National Security (Wheat Industry Stabilization) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1942, No. 427, represents regulations made under the National Security Act 1939-1940. These regulations were introduced by the Governor-General, acting on behalf of the Minister of State for Defence, and were enacted to address the specific needs of wheat industry stabilization during wartime. The primary objective of these regulations, as stated, is to provide further amendments to the National Security (Wheat Industry Stabilization) Regulations, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Wheat Industry Stabilization Board and its associated committees. The enactment by the Federal Executive Council aims to ensure that the necessary controls and measures are in place to manage the wheat industry in alignment with national security priorities.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1942 No. 427, made under the National Security Act 1939-1940, amend the National Security (Wheat Industry Stabilization) Regulations, affecting the Wheat Industry Stabilization Board and its committees. This legislation applies to the Wheat Industry Stabilization Board, its members, and the state committees established for each state within Australia. The Wheat Industry Stabilization Board, as defined, includes members representing the Commonwealth government and wheat growers in each state. The regulation also outlines the procedures for the appointment and functioning of state committees, ensuring they consist of a representative from the Commonwealth government and two representatives from wheat growers in the respective state, all appointed by the Minister. These amendments pertain to the structure, quorum requirements, voting procedures, and the roles of the Board and its committees, providing a framework for the stabilization of the wheat industry during the period of national security concern.

Key Provisions

The regulations primarily amend the National Security (Wheat Industry Stabilization) Regulations to modify the structure and operations of the Wheat Industry Stabilization Board and its associated state committees. Specifically, regulation 2 alters the definition of “The Australian Wheat Board” to reflect current terminology, while regulation 3 revises the quorum requirements and voting procedures for the Board. Regulation 4a introduces a new structure for state committees, detailing their composition, quorum requirements, and decision-making processes. Regulation 5 ensures that members of the state committees are entitled to the same fees and expenses as Board members. The Wheat Industry Stabilization Board, as well as the state committees, now have specific operational requirements. For the Board, the quorum is reduced from three to four members, and the Chairman is granted a deliberative vote with a casting vote in the case of a tie. For state committees, each committee must consist of one Commonwealth representative and two wheat growers appointed by the Minister, with the Commonwealth representative serving as the Chairman. Committees must have a quorum of two members and decisions are made by majority vote, with ties being postponed to the next meeting where all members are present. The Board retains the right to direct the actions of the state committees. Breaches of these regulations could lead to both civil and criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the text of these regulations, under the National Security Act 1939-1940, unauthorised actions could result in fines or imprisonment. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any other relevant laws or regulations that may apply.