Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 was enacted to establish and regulate the postal and telegraph services in Australia. This legislation provided a framework for the operation and management of these services, ensuring they met the needs of the public and the government. The problem this Act aimed to address was the need for a comprehensive legal structure governing the rapidly expanding postal and telegraph services across the country, which had become increasingly important for communication and commerce. The statutory rules, such as Statutory Rules 1918 No. 29, made under the Act, were introduced by the Governor-General in Council to amend the existing Post and Telegraph Regulations. These amendments were intended to enhance the efficiency and administration of postal services, including provisions for handling value-payable parcels and ensuring timely communication regarding such matters. The policy objective behind these regulations was to streamline postal operations and improve service delivery to the public.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, Statutory Rules 1918 No. 29, constitutes a regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, thereby extending its authority and applicability within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation specifically addresses the process for senders of value-payable parcels to have these parcels delivered free of all charges. It applies to any person or entity that posts such parcels and wishes to make this application. The regulation mandates that the sender must make a written application to either the Deputy Postmaster-General or the Postmaster at the relevant post office, and must cover the costs associated with any necessary telegrams, telephone messages, or letters. This application must be received before the delivery of the parcel is completed to be effective. The regulation's scope is limited to the Commonwealth and does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions. Its application is further detailed and potentially expanded through subordinate instruments, as permitted under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this regulation, regulation 263a, provides a process for a sender to have a value-payable parcel delivered to the addressee free of all charges. According to this regulation, if the sender wishes to have the parcel delivered free of charge, they must make a written application to either the Deputy Postmaster-General or the Postmaster at the office where the parcel was posted (section 263a). In addition to submitting the application, the sender must also pay for any telegrams, telephone messages, or letters that are necessary to implement the application (section 263a). If these conditions are met, the application will be granted provided it is received in time to communicate with the delivering office before the parcel is delivered (section 263a). The regulation imposes several obligations on the parties involved. The sender must submit a written application to the Deputy Postmaster-General or the relevant Postmaster to request the free delivery of the value-payable parcel (section 263a). Furthermore, the sender is required to pay for any telegrams, telephone messages, or letters that are needed to process the application (section 263a). Additionally, the application must be received in time to ensure communication with the delivering office before the parcel is delivered, thereby ensuring that the sender's request can be fulfilled (section 263a). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned for breach of this regulation. However, failure to comply with the requirements of section 263a could result in the parcel not being delivered free of charge, as the sender did not adhere to the stipulated conditions. It is important to note that the regulation is part of a legislative instrument and therefore any breach of the regulation could potentially lead to administrative consequences as determined by the relevant authorities.