Northern Territory Administrator's Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations

Overview

The Northern Territory Administrator’s Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations 1963 were enacted under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1962 to provide a structured framework for the remuneration and expenses of the members of the Northern Territory Administrator’s Council. This legislative instrument, issued by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, outlines the fees, allowances, and expenses that members of the Administrator’s Council are entitled to receive for their services. The Regulations replace the previous set of regulations from 1960, aiming to update and streamline the compensation framework for council members. The policy objective is to ensure that members are fairly compensated for their attendance and related expenses, thereby maintaining the operational efficiency of the council.

Scope and Application

The Northern Territory Administrator's Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations, made under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1962, provide specific guidelines for the remuneration and allowances of members of the Administrator's Council in the Northern Territory. These Regulations apply to members of the Administrator's Council, excluding the Administrator and those who are also official members of the Legislative Council. They establish the annual fee for each member, a daily allowance for travel when away from home for council meetings, and a mileage allowance for travel by private motor vehicle for council business. Furthermore, the Regulations detail the process for reimbursing members for public transport costs and excess baggage when travelling for council business. Notably, these Regulations exclude members from receiving double payments for travel allowances and expenses under different sets of regulations. These provisions commenced on 1 February 1963, replacing the previous regulations from 1960.

Key Provisions

The Northern Territory Administrator’s Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations (No. 109 of 1963) under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1962 set out the financial entitlements of members of the Administrator’s Council. These Regulations, which came into effect on 1 February 1963, provide for the annual fee, travelling allowance, and expenses for members attending council meetings. According to section 5, each member of the Administrator’s Council is to receive an annual fee of Two hundred and fifty pounds. When members travel for council business, they are entitled to a daily travelling allowance of Six pounds six shillings for each night away from home, as stipulated in section 6. Additionally, section 7 outlines the reimbursement for travel expenses, including the cost of public transport fares, transport of excess baggage, and a mileage allowance for private vehicle use. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the Administrator’s Council members and the Administrator. Members must comply with the stipulated rates for fees, allowances, and expenses to ensure they receive appropriate compensation for their services. The Administrator, on the other hand, is responsible for authorising reimbursements and payments as outlined in the Regulations. Members must also ensure they do not receive double payments for the same travel or allowances, as stated in section 8, which cross-references the Northern Territory Legislative Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations. The Regulations do not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches. However, non-compliance with the financial provisions or misuse of entitlements could potentially lead to administrative reviews or legal actions under the broader Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1962. Penalties for such breaches would likely be determined based on the nature and severity of the non-compliance, and may include recoupment of improperly received funds or other corrective measures.