Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 292, made under the authority of the Governor-General in Council, represent a legislative instrument that amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913. This regulation was introduced to address discrepancies in the rates for press telegrams transmitted within and between states, as stipulated under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916. The objective of this amendment was to standardise and clarify the rates for Commonwealth and intrastate press telegrams, ensuring consistency and fairness in the pricing structure across different jurisdictions. The regulation was enacted to provide a cohesive framework for postal and telegraphic services, thereby enhancing communication efficiency and reliability within the country.

Scope and Application

The Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, made by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, pertains specifically to the amendment of the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913. This regulation affects the rates prescribed for press telegrams transmitted within the Commonwealth of Australia. It applies to telegrams sent from one state to another and those sent within a single state, thereby governing the pricing structure for press-related communications across different jurisdictions. The regulation aims to standardise the rates for such communications, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the pricing applicable to press telegrams within the national framework. This legislative instrument extends across the entire Commonwealth, covering all states and territories within Australia, ensuring that the amended rates are uniformly applied nationwide. There are no specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in the regulation, implying that the amended rates apply broadly to all press telegrams as defined by the regulation. Any further application or restrictions may be determined through subordinate instruments or subsequent amendments.

Key Provisions

The Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, specifically Amendment of the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, introduces significant changes to the rates for press telegrams. Regulation 371, as amended, modifies the rates for Commonwealth press telegrams transmitted within the Commonwealth, particularly when the telegrams are transmitted from one State to another, or for press telegrams transmitted within any State (Regulation 371). The amendment involves the removal of the previous paragraphs (a) and (b) and the insertion of new wording to clarify the applicable rates for these telegrams. The obligations imposed by this regulation require clear adherence to the newly prescribed rates for press telegrams. For press telegrams transmitted within a single State, the rates stipulated in the amended Regulation 371 must be applied. Similarly, for telegrams transmitted from one State to another within the Commonwealth, the prescribed rates must be followed. This ensures a consistent and transparent application of charges, reflecting the changes intended by the regulation. Non-compliance with the new rates prescribed in Regulation 371 can result in penalties or legal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 generally attract penalties as outlined in the principal Act or other relevant statutes. The penalties can range from fines to more severe legal actions, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. The regulation’s intent is to enforce the new rates strictly, ensuring that all parties involved in the transmission of press telegrams comply with the amended provisions.