Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939

Overview

The Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament to address the need for reduced postage rates for members of Australia's defence forces, particularly during wartime. This legislation was introduced to provide a financial relief mechanism for service members and their families, ensuring affordable and efficient communication between them and the home front. The Act incorporates the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1934, establishing special rates of postage for various types of mail addressed to or posted by members of the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the Commonwealth. The Act excludes departmental correspondence from its scope and is intended to remain in force until a date specified by proclamation, allowing for its applicability to be adjusted according to the needs of the nation.

Scope and Application

The Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939 applies specifically to members of the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the Commonwealth, including permanent members, those called up or enlisted for war service, and members of the Militia Forces while in camp. The Act sets out special rates of postage for various types of mail matter posted by these members or addressed to them, whether within or beyond the Commonwealth. These rates, which are detailed in the schedule attached to the Act, apply to a range of items including letters, postcards, printed matter, merchandise, books, periodicals, newspapers, and parcels. The Act incorporates the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1934, thereby integrating its provisions and reading them as one with this Act. However, the provisions of this Act do not apply to any postal article posted by or on behalf of a Department of the Commonwealth or of a State. The Act’s duration is contingent upon proclamation, and it will remain in force until a specified date, after which it will cease to apply.

Key Provisions

The Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939 (section 1) establishes special rates of postage for mail matter addressed to or posted by members of the Australian Defence Force, including the Naval, Military, and Air Forces, as well as the Militia Forces while in camp. These rates apply to letters, letter-cards, post-cards, printed matter, merchandise, books, periodicals, newspapers, and parcels posted within the Commonwealth (section 5). The Act incorporates and is read together with the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1934 (section 3). Notably, it does not apply to postal articles posted by or on behalf of a Department of the Commonwealth or of a State (section 6). The Act remains in force until a date to be fixed by proclamation (section 7), with specific rates outlined in the Schedule (section 5). The obligations imposed by the Act primarily concern the determination of conditions for addressing, marking, and transmission of mail by the Postmaster-General. These conditions ensure that the special rates apply correctly and are adhered to by all relevant parties. Members of the Defence Forces and those sending mail to them must follow these conditions to benefit from the reduced rates. Additionally, the Act requires that the Postmaster-General enforces these conditions to maintain the integrity of the special rates system. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined within the text of the Act itself. However, the Act's enforcement likely relies on the general legal framework governing postal services and the broader administrative law, which could impose penalties or other consequences for non-compliance with the conditions set by the Postmaster-General. The specifics of these potential penalties would be found in related legislation or administrative guidelines rather than the Act itself.