POST AND TELEGRAPH RATES.
No. 56 of 1959.
An Act to amend the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956.
[Assented to 29th September, 1959.]
BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—
Short title and citation.
1.—(1.) This Act may be cited as the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1959.
(2.) The Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1959.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on the first day of October, One thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine.
First Schedule.
3. The First Schedule to the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956 is repealed and the following Schedule inserted in its stead:—
“FIRST SCHEDULE.
Rates of Postage.
1. Letters, letter-cards and post-cards .. | Five pence for the first ounce or part of an ounce and Three pence for each additional ounce or part of an ounce |
2. Newspapers and periodicals registered at a General Post Office and posted by— | In respect of the articles posted by any one person at any one time— |
(a) the proprietors thereof to bona fide subscribers, and to newsvendors and agents for the purpose of sale; and | (a) where the articles are posted not later than the twenty-ninth day of February, One thousand nine hundred and sixty—Two pence halfpenny per eight ounces or part of eight ounces; and |
(b) newsvendors and agents to bona fide subscribers, and to other newsvendors and agents for the purpose of sale, |
without limitation as to the number contained in each addressed wrapper | (b) where the articles are posted after that date—Five pence per twelve ounces or part of twelve ounces. |
on the aggregate weight of the articles |
3. Books registered at a General Post Office and periodicals and newspapers registered at a General Post Office and posted otherwise than as specified in the last preceding item, subject to compliance with the regulations | Five pence per eight ounces or part of eight ounces |
4. Articles (other than parcels) not comprised within items 1, 2 and 3 | Five pence for the first four ounces or part of four ounces and Three pence for each additional four ounces or part of four ounces ”. |
Overview
The Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1959, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, was designed to amend the existing Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956. This legislation was introduced to address the need for updated postal and telegraph rates that reflect changes in economic conditions and postal service operations. The Act came into operation on 1 October 1959 and replaces the First Schedule of the previous Act, setting new rates for postage and telegraph services. The policy objective underpinning this amendment was to ensure that postal rates adequately covered the costs of service provision while remaining affordable for the public, thus facilitating continued efficient communication across the nation.
Scope and Application
The Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1959 amends the earlier Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956, and it applies to the setting of rates for postage and telegraph services across the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act establishes new rates for various types of mail, including letters, newspapers, periodicals, and books, which are outlined in the First Schedule. It also introduces a new regime for calculating rates based on weight and type of mail, replacing the previous structure. The Act applies to all individuals and entities that utilise postal and telegraph services within Australia, including businesses, individuals, and institutions, and it operates under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. The Act comes into effect on 1 October 1959, and it allows for the introduction of new rates and modifications through subordinate instruments, such as regulations, which may further define the specifics of mail handling and rate calculations.
Key Provisions
The Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1959 (C1959A00056) primarily revises the rates of postage and telegraphic communications as specified in the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956, updating them to reflect changes in economic conditions and postal services usage. Under this Act, section 1 provides the short title and citation, allowing for clear identification and referencing in legal and administrative contexts. Section 2 sets the date for the Act's commencement, ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of when the new rates come into effect.
The substantive changes to the legislation are detailed in the First Schedule, which replaces the previous schedule of the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902–1956. This new schedule outlines specific rates for various types of mail, including letters, postcards, newspapers, periodicals, and other articles. For instance, section 3(1) of the First Schedule stipulates that letters, letter-cards, and postcards will cost five pence for the first ounce and three pence for each additional ounce or part of an ounce. Similarly, section 3(2) details the rates for newspapers and periodicals, with different rates depending on the date of posting and the number of articles posted.
The Act imposes clear obligations on postal service users, requiring them to adhere to the updated rates outlined in the new First Schedule. Postmasters and other officials responsible for postal services are also obligated to enforce these rates, ensuring compliance and accuracy in the application of postal fees. Additionally, the regulations specified in the Act require postal service users to register certain items at a General Post Office and follow the prescribed procedures for posting.
Failure to comply with the rates and procedures specified in the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1959 can result in civil or criminal consequences, although the Act itself does not explicitly detail penalties. However, it is likely that breaches of postal rates and regulations could be prosecuted under related Acts or common law principles, potentially resulting in fines or other legal penalties. The specifics of any penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the applicable laws at the time of the offence.