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

Overview

Statutory Rules 1967 No. 91, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1966, addresses the need to update the fees and allowances for the Chairman and members of committees formed under the Navigation Act. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations reflect the legislative intent to modernise and standardise the remuneration for committee members involved in the administration and oversight of maritime activities. The policy objective is to ensure that the fees are reflective of the current economic environment and provide adequate compensation for the duties performed. This legislative instrument also includes transitional provisions to ensure that committee members who attended meetings before the regulations took effect are compensated for the difference in fees.

Scope and Application

These regulations, enacted under the Navigation Act 1912-1966, adjust the fees and allowances for members of committees established under the Act. Specifically, they revise the remuneration for the Chairman and other members of these committees, as well as meal allowances, reflecting changes from the former British currency to Australian dollars. The amendments apply to members who attended committee meetings after 1 July 1965, with transitional provisions ensuring they receive any difference in fees that would have been payable had the new rates been in effect from that date. The adjustments apply to the whole of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the changes aimed at ensuring that the fees and allowances remain commensurate with the responsibilities and time commitments of committee members in the context of maritime navigation regulation and oversight.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Statutory Rules 1967 No. 91 involve amendments to the Navigation (Fees and Allowances of Members of Committees) Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1966. These amendments specifically revise the fees for the Chairman and members of Committees, as well as meal allowances (Regulations 5, 6, and 9). For instance, Regulation 5 changes the Chairman's fee from Eight pounds eight shillings to Thirty dollars, while Regulation 6 alters the member's fee from Seven pounds seven shillings to Twenty-five dollars. Additionally, Regulation 9 modifies meal allowances from Seven shillings and six pence to Eighty cents and Ninety cents, and Fifteen shillings to One dollar and seventy-five cents. The Act imposes obligations on the parties by mandating these updated fees and allowances for the Chairman and members of Committees. It requires that these revised rates be applied to meetings attended from and including the first day of July, 1965, up until the day immediately before the commencement of these Regulations. This ensures that any Chairman or member who attended a meeting during this period is entitled to the adjusted fee that compensates for the difference between the old and new rates. Furthermore, the Regulations stipulate that any Chairman or member of a Committee who attended a meeting on a day between July 1, 1965, and the commencement of these Regulations is entitled to an additional fee. This additional fee compensates for the difference between what they would have been entitled to receive under the new rates had they been in effect from July 1, 1965. This transitional provision ensures fair compensation for those who participated during the interim period before the Regulations took full effect. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences stated for breach of these Regulations. However, non-compliance with the mandated fee adjustments could potentially lead to disputes or claims for underpayment, which might necessitate resolution through administrative or legal channels. The Regulations primarily focus on ensuring the fair compensation of Committee members during a transitional period.