Order to Establish the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency as an Executive Agency

Overview

The Public Service Act 1999 was enacted to provide a framework for the administration and operation of the Australian Public Service. This Act empowers the Governor-General, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to establish and manage executive agencies, including the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency. This agency was established in response to the severe flooding in North, Far North, and Western Queensland caused by the North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough from 25 January to 14 February 2019, which necessitated urgent and coordinated recovery and reconstruction efforts. The policy objective of this Order is to provide strategic leadership, coordination, and advice for the Commonwealth's recovery activities in the flood-affected areas, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and the development of a long-term recovery plan.

Scope and Application

The Public Service Act 1999, through the Order to Establish the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency, establishes this entity as an Executive Agency within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislation applies specifically to the operations and functions of the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency, which is tasked with providing strategic leadership and coordination for the recovery and reconstruction activities in flood-affected areas of North, Far North, and Western Queensland. The agency's remit includes designing and developing a long-term recovery plan, maintaining relationships with stakeholders, advising the Prime Minister on policy matters, and coordinating Commonwealth recovery efforts. The geographic scope of this Act is confined to the specified flood-affected regions, and it is overseen by the Prime Minister as the responsible Minister. This Order, which establishes the agency, came into effect on the date of its gazette and does not include any stated exclusions or exemptions, nor does it extend its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Public Service Act 1999 has been used to establish the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency as an Executive Agency. This order, made under section 65 of the Act, is designed to facilitate the agency's role in providing strategic leadership and coordination for recovery and reconstruction activities in North, Far North, and Western Queensland following the significant flooding caused by the North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough from 25 January to 14 February 2019. The agency is mandated to design and develop a long-term plan for the recovery and reconstruction of these areas, build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, and provide advice to the Prime Minister on policy matters pertinent to the recovery efforts. Furthermore, it will serve as a coordination point for information on associated Commonwealth recovery and reconstruction activities, and undertake any additional tasks as required by the Prime Minister. The establishment of the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency imposes specific obligations on the agency and its personnel. The agency is to act under the direction and authority of the Prime Minister, who is designated as the responsible Minister. The Chief Executive Officer, who heads the agency, is expected to ensure that the agency's functions are carried out effectively and efficiently. The agency must maintain clear and open communication with stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, and other relevant parties, to ensure that recovery and reconstruction efforts are informed by accurate and timely information. Additionally, the agency is required to provide regular updates and reports to the Prime Minister on the progress of its activities and any challenges encountered. Failure to comply with the provisions of this order, or any other relevant legislation, may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties for breach are not detailed in the order, under Australian law, breaches of public service regulations can lead to a range of consequences, including disciplinary action against public servants, fines, and in serious cases, criminal charges. The maximum penalties will depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the specific provisions of any related laws. It is important for the agency and its personnel to adhere strictly to the requirements set out in the order to avoid any potential legal repercussions.