Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 212, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, were enacted to address specific amendments to the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, particularly concerning the rates of commission for international mail services. This regulation was introduced to adjust the fees associated with mail transactions between Australia and Canada, thereby ensuring that the postal service's operational costs were accurately reflected in the charges levied on users. The regulation was made by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Postmaster-General, with the intent of updating the regulatory framework to accommodate changes in international postal services and economic conditions of the time. The underlying policy objective was to maintain efficient and fair postal services while aligning with international postal practices.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 212, issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, amend the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, specifically Regulation 276, to include a new entry regarding commission rates for amounts sent to Canada. This amendment comes into effect from 18 September 1920 and pertains to the fees charged for postal services, establishing new rates for commissions based on the value of the transaction. This regulation applies to entities and individuals involved in postal services and transactions, specifically those sending mail or parcels to Canada. The amendment sets a rate of sixpence for amounts not exceeding five shillings and fourpence for each additional five shillings or fraction thereof, exceeding the initial five shillings. The regulation is part of a broader legislative framework governing postal services in the Commonwealth of Australia and extends to transactions involving the specified jurisdiction, namely Canada, within the defined monetary thresholds. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions but operates within the existing parameters of the Post and Telegraph Act and its subordinate regulations.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the legislation, specifically the Amendment of the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, introduce new rates of commission for postal services to Canada (Reg. 276). This amendment is inserted into the existing table of rates, which includes destinations like New Zealand and Fiji, to account for the postal services between these countries. For amounts not exceeding five shillings, the commission is set at sixpence, while for amounts exceeding this threshold, an additional fourpence is charged for each additional five shillings or fraction thereof (Reg. 276). These regulations impose specific obligations on postal entities and individuals involved in the transmission of mail to and from Canada. They must adhere to the newly established commission rates when handling postal services for this destination. This means that when calculating the fees associated with the delivery of mail, these rates must be applied consistently and accurately, ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the applicable charges. In the event of non-compliance with the new commission rates, breaches of these regulations could lead to various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, typical breaches of postal regulations could result in fines or other administrative actions. Such penalties are designed to ensure adherence to the prescribed rates, maintaining the integrity of postal services and financial transactions associated with them. The precise penalties and enforcement mechanisms are usually outlined in related sections of the broader Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 or subsequent amendments.