STATUTORY RULES.
1918. No. 20.
REGULATION UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901–1916.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the undermentioned amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this thirtieth day of January, 1918.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
WILLIAM WEBSTER,
Postmaster-General.
Amendment of the Post And Telegraph Regulations 1913.
(Statutory Rules 1913, No. 348, as amended by Statutory Rules 1917, No. 140.)
Regulation 272a is repealed and the following regulation is inserted in its stead:—
272a. (1) Upon receipt of a written application from the sender, together with an undertaking to pay the prescribed fee, particulars of the delivery of a value-payable parcel and of the remittance made thereon, or a list of undelivered value-payable parcels and of the amounts outstanding thereon, will be compiled, and, on payment of a fee of Twopence for each parcel in respect of which inquiry is made, furnished to the applicant. On payment of the fee, postage stamps to the amount of the fee must be affixed to the communication from the sender and cancelled in the ordinary way.
(2) If the Department, in any particular instance, is at fault the fee shall be refunded.
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.868.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 20, represent an amendment to the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were introduced to provide a formalised process for obtaining information about the delivery status of value-payable parcels and the remittances made thereon. This legislative instrument aimed to address the administrative gap in providing clear and accessible records regarding the status of such parcels, ensuring accountability and transparency within the postal services. The regulation stipulates that upon receiving an application from the sender, accompanied by an undertaking to pay the prescribed fee, the department will compile and furnish the requested information, subject to a fee of two pence per parcel. Additionally, if the department is found to be at fault in any instance, the fee is to be refunded, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the service provided.
The enactment body for these regulations is the Federal Executive Council, acting under the authority of the Governor-General, with the objective of enhancing the efficiency and reliability of postal services by providing a systematic method for tracking and reporting on value-payable parcels. The regulation underscores a commitment to maintaining high standards of service and accountability in the administration of postal services within Australia.
Scope and Application
The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 applies to individuals or entities, including businesses and other organisations, that are involved in sending or receiving value-payable parcels through the postal service within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation specifically pertains to the tracking and reporting of such parcels, including their delivery status and the remittance made thereon, as well as any outstanding amounts. The scope of the Act extends to the entire Commonwealth, meaning it applies nationally. The regulation allows for the provision of information upon receipt of a written application and the payment of a specified fee, with a refund offered if the Department is found to be at fault. The regulation is amended to provide clearer instructions on the process and fees involved in obtaining delivery information for value-payable parcels. It should be noted that the regulation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond those mentioned in the text. The regulation is an amendment to the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 and can be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 primarily modifies the procedure for obtaining information regarding value-payable parcels. According to the new Regulation 272a, a sender can request details about the delivery status and remittance of a value-payable parcel or a list of undelivered parcels with outstanding amounts by submitting a written application along with an undertaking to pay the specified fee (Reg. 272a(1)). The fee for this service is Twopence per parcel, and postage stamps must be affixed to the communication and cancelled as usual upon payment (Reg. 272a(1)). If the Department identifies an error on their part, the fee is refunded (Reg. 272a(2)).
The obligations imposed by this regulation on the parties involved include the requirement for the sender to submit a written application and pay the requisite fee to obtain the desired information (Reg. 272a(1)). The Department, in turn, must compile and provide the requested particulars or list upon receiving the application and fee, while ensuring that if they are at fault, the fee is refunded (Reg. 272a(2)).
Failure to adhere to the requirements set forth in this regulation may not explicitly state specific offences or penalties. However, if the Department is found to be at fault, it must refund the fee paid by the sender (Reg. 272a(2)). There are no stated maximum penalties in the regulation, but any non-compliance by the Department could potentially lead to civil or administrative consequences for failing to meet their obligations under the regulation.