Picturegram Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1967 No.________, titled "Regulations Under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1966," were introduced by the Parliament of Australia to amend the existing Picturegram Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act. These regulations were made by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation on the first day of July 1967. The amendments primarily addressed the financial aspects of picturegram services by adjusting the fees associated with the transmission of picturegrams to align with the monetary changes in Australia. This adjustment included modifying the deposit amount for original picturegrams, updating the rates for different sizes of picturegrams, and altering the fees for retaining picturegrams and their originals. The overarching policy objective was to streamline and modernise the financial regulations concerning postal services, ensuring they reflect the contemporary economic environment.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1967 No.________ Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1966, made by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, primarily concern amendments to the Picturegram Regulations. These Regulations, which came into operation on the first day of July, 1967, affect the fees associated with the transmission of picturegrams and the retention of their originals by the Postmaster-General. The amendments update the monetary values previously specified in the Picturegram Regulations to reflect contemporary currency, such as substituting "Fifty cents" for "five shillings" in various instances. Furthermore, the new rates are established based on the size of the picturegram, ranging from 10 cents for pictures within certain dimensions to 15 cents for larger sizes. The Regulations also modify the fees for retaining original picturegrams, with adjustments from "Ten cents" to "Twenty-five cents" and "Fifty cents" as applicable. These amendments apply nationally, affecting all persons and entities engaging in the transmission of picturegrams within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

These Regulations, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1966, primarily focus on amending the Picturegram Regulations (Regulations 2, 3, and 4). Effective from the first day of July 1967, the Regulations adjust several fees associated with the transmission of picturegrams, or postal pictures. Regulation 2 modifies the fee for retaining originals of picturegrams by the Postmaster-General, reducing it from five shillings to fifty cents. Regulation 3 revises the rates for picturegrams based on their size, with charges now ranging from 10 cents for pictures within 7 inches by 5 inches to 15 cents for those exceeding 9 inches by 7 inches but not 10 inches by 8 inches. Regulation 4 updates fees for inspections of picturegrams, setting them at ten cents, twenty-five cents, and fifty cents, respectively. The obligations imposed by these Regulations require compliance with the updated fees for retaining picturegram originals, adhering to the new size-based rates, and paying the revised inspection fees. These changes necessitate that all parties involved in the transmission and inspection of picturegrams under the Post and Telegraph Act comply with the new financial requirements as stipulated in the Regulations. For breaches of these Regulations, the Post and Telegraph Act provides for both civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the Regulations, under the Act, penalties can include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the breach, in accordance with the broader legislative framework governing postal services in Australia.