Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917, No. 108, represent an amendment to the Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916. This legislative instrument was enacted to refine the process of affixing "postage due" stamps on taxed mail matter. By repealing and replacing Regulation 211, it ensures that officials affix postage due stamps of equivalent value to the postal charges collected, and cancel these stamps before delivering the mail. The enacting body for this regulation is the Governor-General in Council, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective is to streamline and standardise the process of marking taxed mail to ensure compliance with postal regulations and enhance the efficiency of mail handling services.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 pertains to the administration of postal charges for taxed mail matter, specifically excluding parcels, within the Commonwealth of Australia. It applies to officials who are responsible for collecting postal charges and affixing "postage due" stamps to the relevant mail items. The regulation mandates that these officials affix the stamps before the delivery of the mail and ensure they are of a value equal to the sum received, further requiring the stamps to be cancelled appropriately. This regulation ensures that the postal charges are accurately and visibly collected and recorded for each taxed mail item, except parcels, within the jurisdictional scope of the Commonwealth. The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but its application is confined to the postal services within Australia, thereby excluding international mail or parcels. The regulation is effective from the date it is made, indicating the immediacy of its application.

Key Provisions

The primary operative section of the amended regulation (Regulation 211) stipulates that upon collecting the postal charges on taxed mail matter, excluding parcels, officials must affix postage due stamps to each article. These stamps should match the sum of the charges received and must be cancelled, either with the office stamp or through another effective method, prior to the delivery of the mail (Reg. 211). This regulation serves to ensure that mail items are appropriately marked and processed within the postal system. Under this amended regulation, postal officials bear the responsibility of affixing the correct postage due stamps to taxed mail matter, excluding parcels, and ensuring these stamps are properly cancelled. This process is a mandatory step before the mail can be delivered to the recipient, ensuring that the postal charges are accurately documented and processed. The requirement to use an office stamp or another effective cancellation method underscores the need for clear and verifiable records of postal transactions. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in Regulation 211 can result in various consequences. While the regulation does not explicitly state the specific offences or penalties for non-compliance, the general legal framework suggests that breaches of postal regulations could lead to administrative or legal action. Such actions may include fines or other penalties as prescribed under the overarching Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the jurisdictional guidelines in place at the time of the offence. Given the regulatory nature of this amended provision, adherence to Regulation 211 is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the postal service. Non-compliance not only affects the efficiency of mail processing but could also lead to financial discrepancies or administrative challenges within the postal system. Therefore, postal officials must diligently follow the stipulated procedures to avoid any potential repercussions associated with regulatory breaches.