Northern Territory Legislative Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1966 No. 56, made under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1965, were enacted by the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to address the need for updated regulations concerning the fees, allowances, and expenses of the Northern Territory Legislative Council. The problem these regulations aimed to address was the outdated nature of the existing provisions governing the allowances for members of the Northern Territory Legislative Council, particularly in relation to travelling expenses. The objective of these regulations was to provide a more equitable and contemporary framework for reimbursing members of the Council for their travel expenses, reflecting the changing economic conditions and the types of vehicles in use at the time. These regulations came into operation on 14 February 1966, as stipulated in the statutory rules.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1965, specifically amending the Northern Territory Legislative Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations, apply to members of the Northern Territory Legislative Council, governing their entitlements to mileage allowances for travel purposes. These Regulations, which came into effect on 14 February 1966, determine the rate of mileage allowance based on the horsepower of the vehicle used, with higher rates for more powerful vehicles. The Regulations specify different rates for vehicles with varying horsepower, ranging from 13 cents per mile for motor vehicles of 23 horse-power or over, down to 10 cents per mile for motor vehicles of under 10½ horse-power. The scope of these Regulations is limited to the Northern Territory, with no stated exclusions or exemptions in the provided text, and they do not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations, particularly section 2, amend the existing Northern Territory Legislative Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations by updating the rates for mileage allowances for members travelling on official business. The new rates are based on the horsepower of the motor vehicle used, with higher rates for vehicles with more horsepower. This amendment replaces the previous table of allowances with a new one, effective from the date specified in section 1, which is 14 February 1966. The new table lists four categories of vehicles, each with a specific allowance per mile travelled in cents, ranging from 10 cents for vehicles under 10½ horsepower to 13 cents for vehicles of 23 horsepower or over. The obligations and requirements imposed by these Regulations are primarily on members of the Northern Territory Legislative Council who are entitled to claim mileage allowances for travel on official business. These members must now use the updated rates specified in the amended Regulation 9 to calculate their allowances. The Regulations require adherence to these specific rates rather than any previous ones, ensuring consistency and fairness in the allowance process. Members must also ensure that their travel expenses are documented accurately and in accordance with the prescribed rates to facilitate the reimbursement process. In terms of potential consequences for non-compliance, the Regulations themselves do not explicitly state any specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, any failure to adhere to the prescribed rates for mileage allowances could potentially result in disputes or disputes over reimbursement claims. Such disputes might need to be resolved through internal processes or legal action, although the specific penalties for non-compliance are not outlined within these Regulations. It is likely that any significant breaches could be subject to scrutiny by the relevant authorities overseeing the administration of allowances within the Northern Territory Legislative Council.