Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1916 No. 182, titled "Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916," was enacted to amend the Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for urgent telegram transmissions outside of regular office hours, ensuring that critical communications could be facilitated even when post and telegraph offices were officially closed. The amendment was made by Sir Arthur Stanley, acting as the Deputy of the Governor-General, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective of this regulation is to provide flexibility in the transmission of urgent telegrams, allowing for their dispatch after office hours under certain conditions while maintaining consistent charges for such services.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 applies to individuals and entities utilising telegraph services within the Commonwealth of Australia, particularly focusing on the transmission of telegrams. It pertains to urgent telegrams that cannot wait until the regular operating hours of post offices, allowing for such telegrams to be sent even after the office has closed for the day or during luncheon hours, subject to specific conditions and additional fees. This regulation provides a mechanism for addressing the needs of urgent communications while also establishing financial parameters for these exceptional services. It is noteworthy that this legislation operates within the overarching framework of the Commonwealth, thus encompassing all states and territories of Australia. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but it does outline specific scenarios where the standard operating hours do not apply, indicating a clear delineation between routine and urgent communications services. The regulation may also be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, which would be enacted in line with the overarching objectives of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 introduces specific provisions regarding the transmission of telegrams during non-standard hours. Notably, Section 378(2) permits the transmission of telegrams after office hours in cases of urgency, provided the officer in charge can be contacted. This change allows for flexibility in urgent communications, maintaining the same charges as those stipulated in the original sub-regulation (1). Additionally, offices that are closed during lunch hours can be reopened for urgent telegrams, subject to an additional fee of one shilling for thirty minutes or part thereof, in addition to the standard urgent rates. The obligations imposed by these provisions require that any urgent telegram be communicated to the officer in charge, and if the office is closed for lunch, the reopening fee must be paid to facilitate the transmission. These provisions are designed to ensure that urgent communications can be sent without unnecessary delay, while also maintaining a structured fee system to cover the additional costs incurred. Failure to comply with the conditions set out in the amended Regulation may result in penalties. Although specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 typically involve fines or other administrative sanctions. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and any additional guidelines provided by the governing body. These provisions underscore the importance of adhering to the specified procedures for urgent communications, ensuring that both the service providers and users understand their respective roles and obligations.