Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Act 1998

Overview

The Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Act 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serves to revise the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978. The primary objective of this Act is to update the financial charge imposed on passengers departing from Australia, aligning it with contemporary economic conditions and operational costs within the aviation sector. The legislation was designed to ensure that the charge accurately reflects the current fiscal environment and continues to support the maintenance and improvement of aviation infrastructure and services. By setting the charge at $30, the Act aims to provide adequate funding for these purposes while remaining a manageable cost for travellers. The Act was assented to on 30 June 1998 and came into effect on 1 January 1999. It amends the specified section of the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, thereby adjusting the charge for passengers departing from Australia from $27 to $30. This adjustment is intended to address the evolving financial landscape and operational demands within the aviation industry, ensuring that the charge remains relevant and sufficient for the intended purposes.

Scope and Application

The Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Act 1998 amends the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, adjusting the charge levied on passengers departing from Australia. This amendment applies to any individual departing from Australia on or after the commencement date of 1 January 1999. The Act specifically alters the charge amount from $27 to $30, effective from the date mentioned. The amendments are designed to update the financial obligations of departing passengers, reflecting changes in economic conditions or policy decisions. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the departure date, indicating its broad application to all applicable persons. The jurisdictional reach of this Act is nationwide, encompassing all airports and departure points within Australia, and it is administered at the Commonwealth level. Subordinate instruments may further define or extend the application of the amended charge, ensuring compliance and enforcement across the relevant industry.

Key Provisions

The Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Act 1998 (sections 1-3) is an Act that amends the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, effective from 1 January 1999. The primary amendment made by this Act is to the amount of the passenger movement charge imposed on individuals departing Australia. Specifically, section 6 of the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978 is amended to increase the charge from $27 to $30. This amendment applies to the departure of a person from Australia on or after the commencement date of the Amendment Act. Under the Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Act 1998, the obligations on the parties affected are primarily related to the payment of the amended charge. Any person departing Australia after 1 January 1999 must pay the new charge of $30 as stipulated by the amended Act. This obligation is in addition to any other fees or charges that may be applicable under other legislation. The Act ensures that the updated charge is applied uniformly to all departures occurring on or after the commencement date. The Amendment Act does not explicitly detail offences or penalties for non-compliance with the new charge. However, the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, which this Act amends, likely includes provisions for enforcement and penalties. Typically, failure to pay the passenger movement charge could result in civil or administrative penalties as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The precise nature and extent of these penalties would be governed by the existing provisions of the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, which may include fines or other legal consequences for non-compliance.