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

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1965 No. 178 represents a legislative instrument enacted under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1965. This Act was established to provide for the administration of the Northern Territory by the Commonwealth Government. The specific problem or gap addressed by this piece of legislation was the need to amend the fees, allowances, and expenses for members of the Northern Territory Legislative Council, particularly focusing on the President's remuneration. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Federal Executive Council, acting on the advice of the Governor-General, and was designed to clarify and adjust the financial entitlements of the President within the Legislative Council, thus ensuring appropriate compensation aligned with the responsibilities of the role. These regulations were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 9 December 1965 and were an amendment to previous regulations established under the same Act, indicating a continued effort to refine and update the administrative structure in the Northern Territory. The policy objective appears to be maintaining fair and adequate remuneration for public officials within the Legislative Council, ensuring effective governance and representation in the region.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1965 No. 178, made under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1965, pertain specifically to amendments of the Northern Territory Legislative Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations. These regulations apply to members of the Northern Territory Legislative Council, particularly targeting the President of the Council in terms of fees and allowances. The scope of the Act encompasses the financial remuneration and expenses of the Council's President, distinct from other elected and non-official members. The amendments adjust the fee structure for the President, setting it at One thousand two hundred pounds per annum, and additionally provide for an entertainment allowance of One hundred and fifty pounds per annum. These regulations are jurisdictional in nature, applying solely within the Northern Territory, and they do not extend to other states or territories of Australia. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in the regulations themselves, though broader legislative contexts might introduce such parameters. The application and interpretation of these regulations might be further detailed through subordinate instruments, which would provide additional guidance on their implementation and enforcement within the Northern Territory's administrative framework.

Key Provisions

The regulations under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1965 amend the Northern Territory Legislative Council (Fees, Allowances and Expenses) Regulations. Specifically, regulation 5 is amended to exclude the President from the fees payable to elected and non-official members, with the President now receiving a specific annual fee of £1,200 (section 1). Additionally, a new regulation 5a is introduced, stipulating that the President shall receive a fee at the rate of £1,200 per annum (section 1). Another new regulation, 5b, provides that the President shall receive an entertainment allowance of £150 per annum (section 2). These regulations impose specific financial obligations on the President of the Northern Territory Legislative Council. The President is now entitled to a defined annual fee and an entertainment allowance, which are separate from the fees paid to other elected and non-official members. The regulations ensure that the President's remuneration is clearly outlined and distinct from other members of the council. Failure to comply with these regulations could potentially lead to administrative discrepancies and disputes over the remuneration of the President. While the regulations themselves do not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance, breaches of regulations made under the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1965 could lead to legal consequences, including possible administrative reviews or actions under related legislation. However, the specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance with these regulations are not detailed within the text provided.