Post and Telegraph Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1921, No. 19, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, were enacted to amend the Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913. This legislative instrument, issued by the Governor-General acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, aimed to correct a specific numerical error in the original regulations to ensure compliance with the current legislative framework. The amendment involved changing the figures in sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 109, substituting "12½" for the previously stated "20". This change was intended to address an identified discrepancy, ensuring the regulatory provisions remained accurate and effective. The regulation came into operation on 2 October 1920, reflecting the legislative intent to maintain the integrity and functionality of postal and telegraph services as governed by the Act.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 and the subsequent statutory rules and regulations, including the amended Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, apply to all persons, entities, and transactions associated with postal and telegraph services within the Commonwealth of Australia. This encompasses individuals, businesses, and government agencies engaged in the transmission of mail and messages through postal and telegraphic means. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, extending to all states and territories within the Commonwealth. The regulation specifically targets alterations in the operational parameters of postal and telegraph services, such as adjusting the rates or conditions under which these services are provided. It is noteworthy that while the legislation broadly applies to all relevant entities and activities, specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are not explicitly stated within the provided excerpt of the statutory rules. Additionally, the application of this Act may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, thereby allowing for more detailed and specific regulatory measures that can be tailored to particular circumstances or requirements.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, which comes into effect from 2nd October, 1920, primarily modifies Regulation 109 by altering the figures specified in sub-regulation (2). Previously, the regulation referenced “20,” but this has been amended to “12½.” This change is intended to adjust the parameters set by the regulation, likely affecting the rates, measurements, or other quantitative aspects governed by this section of the legislation. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act primarily pertain to the entities and individuals involved in postal and telegraph services. These entities must adhere to the updated parameters specified in Regulation 109, ensuring that their operations comply with the new figures of “12½” as set forth in the legislation. This might involve recalculating fees, adjusting operational procedures, or modifying any relevant documentation to reflect the updated standards. Should any party fail to comply with the amended Regulation 109, they could face various consequences. While the specific penalties or civil/criminal consequences are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, breaches of regulations typically attract sanctions under the overarching Post and Telegraph Act. Historically, penalties for non-compliance with postal and telegraph regulations could range from fines to more severe administrative actions, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. In extreme cases, repeated or egregious violations might lead to criminal charges, reflecting the importance of adhering to these statutory provisions.