Navigation (Fees and Allowances of Members of Committees) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1973 No. 234, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1972, addresses the need to update the meal allowances for members of committees established under the Act. Enacted by the Governor-General of Australia, with the advice of the Executive Council, these regulations were introduced to ensure that the allowances provided to committee members adequately reflect the current economic conditions. The policy objective of this legislative instrument is to provide fair and updated compensation for the services rendered by committee members, facilitating the effective operation of maritime safety and regulatory functions. This regulation specifically amends the meal allowances, reflecting the economic environment of 1973, and is intended to support the ongoing administration of maritime navigation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Navigation (Fees and Allowances of Members of Committees) Regulations 1973, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1972, pertain specifically to the meal allowances provided to members of certain committees established under the Act. This legislation applies to the individuals who serve on these committees, ensuring that they receive a stipulated financial allowance for their meals during committee meetings and related activities. The geographic reach of these regulations is nationwide, as the Navigation Act 1912-1972 itself has a Commonwealth jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within these Regulations; however, they are narrowly focused on the financial allowances and do not extend to other areas of the Act or broader maritime conduct. The Act and its subordinate instruments, such as these Regulations, may be further amended or clarified through additional legislative instruments, thereby extending or restricting their application as necessary.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation (Statutory Rules 1973 No. 234) pertain to the amendment of the Navigation (Fees and Allowances of Members of Committees) Regulations. Specifically, Regulation 9 is amended to replace the existing table detailing meal allowances for members of committees with a new table (section 3). The new table sets meal allowances at one dollar thirty-five cents for breakfast, one dollar fifty cents for a midday meal, and two dollars ninety cents for an evening meal. These adjustments reflect changes intended to align with current economic conditions or administrative needs. This regulation imposes specific obligations and requirements on the entities it governs. Members of committees, as defined under the Navigation Act 1912-1972, are now entitled to the revised meal allowances as outlined in the updated table. This amendment ensures that there is a clear, transparent framework for the reimbursement of meal expenses incurred by committee members while performing their duties. The regulation mandates that these new allowances be adhered to when processing claims or payments related to committee members' meals. Breach of these regulations could lead to various consequences, although specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed within the text of this legislation. Typically, under the Navigation Act 1912-1972, non-compliance with regulations might result in penalties as prescribed by the Act. These could range from fines to more severe administrative actions, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The exact penalties would be guided by the overarching Act and any related case law or administrative decisions.