Passports Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Passports Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 180, issued under the authority of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, amends the Passports Regulations to implement an increase in passport fees as announced by the Treasurer on 14 May 1997. This amendment seeks to align the fees for the issue, renewal, and placement of observations on travel documents with the new pricing structure effective from 1 July 1997. The primary objective of these amendments is to reflect the updated fee schedule outlined in the new Schedule 2 of the Passports Regulations, which adjusts the cost of an ordinary adult passport from $120.00 to $126.00, among other changes. This legislative action was taken to ensure that the financial provisions outlined in the 1997 budget are properly enacted and enforced within the administrative framework of passport issuance and management.

Scope and Application

The Passports Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 180 applies to individuals who require a passport or travel document under the provisions of the Passports Act 1938. This includes Australian citizens, residents, and other persons who seek to obtain passports or travel documents issued by the Commonwealth of Australia. The amendment pertains to the fees associated with the issuance, renewal, and placement of observations on passports and travel documents, as specified in Schedule 2 of the Passports Regulations. These regulations have a national reach, applying throughout Australia, and are enforced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The amendments are made to implement the increase in passport fees announced by the Treasurer in the budget on 14 May 1997, effective from 1 July 1997. Notably, the regulations do not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond what is detailed in the amended Schedule 2. Any further application or interpretation of these fees may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments made under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Passports Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 180 are concerned with the adjustment of fees for passports and travel documents as specified in Schedule 2 of the Passports Regulations. Under Section 12 of the Passports Act 1938, the Governor-General has the authority to enact these regulations, which are intended to implement the government's decision to increase passport fees, as announced by the Treasurer on 14 May 1997. The amendment reflects a new fee structure, effective from 1 July 1997, and details the revised charges for the issuance and renewal of passports, as well as for the placement of observations on travel documents. These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved, particularly the applicants for passports and travel documents. According to the new provisions, applicants must now pay the revised fees as outlined in the updated Schedule 2. For example, the fee for issuing an ordinary passport for an adult has been increased from $120.00 to $126.00. This means that anyone applying for a passport or a travel document must be prepared to pay the updated fee amount, which is a direct consequence of the legislative amendments. The regulations also require the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure that the new fee schedule is properly implemented and communicated to the public. The Passports Regulations (Amendment) 1997 No. 180 includes provisions that address the consequences of failing to comply with the new fee structure. While the explanatory statement does not explicitly mention specific offences or penalties for non-payment, it is reasonable to infer that the failure to pay the updated fees could result in the denial of passport issuance or renewal. The exact nature and severity of any penalties would typically be governed by other relevant laws and regulations, which may include administrative fines or other administrative actions. It is important for applicants to be aware of these financial obligations to avoid any disruption in their travel plans.