Picturegram Regulations 1929 (Amendment)

Overview

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, through Statutory Rules 1957, No. 67, introduced amendments to the Picturegram Regulations. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council, sought to update the rates for the transmission of picturegrams, reflecting changes in postal and telegraph services' operational costs and economic conditions of the time. The regulation specifically revises the rates for different sizes of picturegrams, while also introducing an additional charge for each copy of a multiple picturegram after the first copy, thereby addressing issues of equitable pricing and service costs within the postal and telegraph services. The policy objective is to maintain a functional and financially sustainable postal and telegraph service by ensuring that the rates charged adequately cover the costs incurred in the transmission of picturegrams.

Scope and Application

The regulation outlined in Statutory Rules 1957, No. 67, which amends the Picturegram Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, applies to individuals and entities engaged in the transmission of picturegrams via the postal service within Australia. The regulation specifically governs the rates for the transmission of picturegrams and the additional charges for multiple copies of such picturegrams, thereby impacting industries involved in the dissemination of visual content through postal services. This amendment sets out the monetary costs associated with different sizes of picturegrams and additional fees for multiple copies, ensuring a structured and transparent pricing model for the services provided. The scope of this regulation is national, applying to all activities within the Commonwealth of Australia as per the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond those defined in the amended rates, and it operates as a direct extension of the legislative authority granted under the primary Act.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this Statutory Rule are found in Regulation 15 of the Picturegram Regulations, which sets out a schedule of rates for the transmission of picturegrams. Regulation 15(1) outlines the rates based on the size of the picturegram to be transmitted. For picturegrams within the limits of 7 inches by 5 inches, the rate is three pounds, seventeen shillings and sixpence. For picturegrams exceeding 7 inches by 5 inches but not exceeding 9 inches by 7 inches, the rate is four pounds, seventeen shillings and sixpence. For picturegrams exceeding 9 inches by 7 inches but not exceeding 10 inches by 8 inches, the rate is five pounds, twelve shillings and sixpence. Regulation 15(2) specifies that for each additional copy of a multiple picturegram beyond the first, an additional charge of ten shillings is applied, as referenced in sub-regulation (4) of regulation 18. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation on parties or entities involve adhering to the specified rates for the transmission of picturegrams, as outlined in the schedule of rates. Service providers must charge the appropriate rates based on the size of the picturegram and additional charges for multiple copies of a picturegram. Customers are required to pay these rates when transmitting picturegrams through the services provided under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950. There are no explicit provisions in this legislation detailing offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, the failure to comply with the prescribed rates could potentially result in disputes or legal action under the broader framework of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950. Any breaches of the Act itself could lead to penalties as outlined in the main Act, but specific penalties for this regulation are not detailed here. The absence of explicit penalties in this statutory rule suggests that compliance is expected through adherence to the specified rates, with potential recourse through the Act if violations occur.