Passport Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Passport Regulations made under the Passports Act 1938-1973 were amended in 1976 to adjust certain fees and terminology within the regulations. Enacted by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Executive Council, these regulations are intended to align the language and fees associated with passport issuance to reflect contemporary administrative terminology and economic adjustments. This legislative instrument aims to update the regulatory framework to ensure it remains effective and relevant, addressing the need to adapt to changes in the administrative context and economic considerations. The policy objective is to streamline the passport application process by updating the regulatory language and adjusting fees in line with the current economic conditions, thus facilitating smoother administrative operations within the passport issuance system. These amendments, which came into effect on 23 February 1976, were notified in the Australian Government Gazette and were made to ensure that the Passport Regulations accurately reflect the current administrative and economic environment. By substituting the term "Australian" with "Commonwealth" and increasing the fee for the issuance of an Australian passport from $10 to $20, the regulation seeks to address administrative consistency and revenue needs. This change was designed to maintain the integrity and functionality of the passport system, ensuring that it operates efficiently and effectively in accordance with the prevailing standards and requirements.

Scope and Application

The Passport Regulations 1976, made under the authority of the Passports Act 1938-1973, pertain to the issuance and associated fees of Australian passports. These regulations apply to individuals who apply for a passport, ensuring that the amendments to fees and procedures are followed for applications submitted on or after 23 February 1976. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby affecting all citizens or residents seeking to obtain a passport within this jurisdiction. Notably, the changes in these regulations adjust the fee structure for passport issuance, increasing the cost from $10 to $20. These amendments are inclusive of all applicants post the specified date and are implemented to align with broader changes in the regulatory framework concerning passport fees.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1976 No. 68, made under the Passports Act 1938-1973, amend the Passport Regulations, specifically in relation to fees for the issuance of Australian passports. Regulation 13(2)(a) removes the word “Australian” and replaces it with “Commonwealth” (Regulation 1). The Schedule to the Passport Regulations is also amended to increase the fee for the issuance of an Australian passport from $10 to $20 (Regulation 2). This amendment applies to passports for which the application is made on or after 23 February 1976 (Regulation 3). These Regulations impose specific financial obligations on applicants for Australian passports. By amending Regulation 13(2)(a), the Regulations ensure that the terminology used aligns with the Commonwealth, rather than the specific nation of Australia, within the legal framework. Furthermore, Regulation 2 increases the fee for the issuance of an Australian passport from $10 to $20, thereby imposing a higher financial requirement on applicants who submit their applications on or after the specified date. There are no explicit provisions within these Regulations that outline offences, penalties, or civil or criminal consequences for breach. However, failure to comply with the fee structure as amended might result in administrative consequences, such as delays in processing or denial of passport issuance until the correct fee is paid. The Regulations focus primarily on updating and clarifying the financial requirements associated with obtaining an Australian passport, rather than prescribing punitive measures for non-compliance.