STATUTORY RULES.
1940. No. 1.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1934.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934.
Dated this twenty-second day of December, 1939.
GOWRIE,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. J. HARRISON,
Postmaster-General.
Amendments of the Postal Regulations.†
Permit Mail.
1. Regulation 22 of the Postal Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting sub-regulation (1.) and inserting in its stead the following sub-regulation:—
“(1.) Subject to the permission of the Postmaster-General having first been obtained and to the prescribed conditions being complied with, printed circular letters, printed matter, patterns, samples and articles of merchandise, posted for delivery within the Commonwealth, may be transmitted under sealed cover at printed matter rate of postage or at the rate of postage prescribed for patterns, samples and merchandise, as the case requires, according to the nature of the article.”; and
(b) by omitting from sub-regulation (5.) the words “to post printed circular letters” and inserting in their stead the word “issued”.
Registration of Books.
2. Regulation 43 of the Postal Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (1.) the words “, bearing the imprint referred to in paragraph (c) of this Regulation”; and
(b) by omitting paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (1.).
* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 4th January, 1940.
† Statutory Rules 1935, No. 3, as amended by Statutory Rules 1935, Nos. 53, 70, 80 and 95; 1936, Nos. 50 and 113; 1937, Nos. 13, 35, 37 and 48; 1938, Nos. 2, 55, 94 and 100; 1939, Nos. 44, 57 and 66.
By Authority: L. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.
7239.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1940 No. 1, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934, introduces amendments to the Postal Regulations to refine the processes and conditions for the transmission of various items within Australia. Enacted by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations address issues related to the permit mail and registration of books, aiming to streamline and modernise postal services. The underlying policy objective is to ensure that postal regulations remain efficient and responsive to the evolving needs of the public and businesses, facilitating the transmission of printed matter and merchandise under specified conditions while simplifying the registration process for books.
Scope and Application
The Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934, established in 1939, govern the transmission of various postal items within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations apply to individuals and entities that seek to post printed circular letters, printed matter, patterns, samples, and articles of merchandise. Compliance with the prescribed conditions and obtaining the Postmaster-General’s permission are mandatory for the transmission of these items at the specified rates of postage. The amendments to Regulation 22 specifically allow for the transmission of such items under sealed cover, subject to the stipulated conditions. Furthermore, the regulations govern the registration of books, adjusting the requirements for their inclusion in postal services.
These regulations extend across the Commonwealth, thereby applying to all states and territories within Australia. They do not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but the need for specific permission and adherence to conditions implies a certain level of scrutiny. The scope of application is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, as indicated by the amendments to existing regulations. These amendments illustrate the dynamic nature of the regulatory framework, adapting to changes in postal practices and services.
Key Provisions
The Regulations amend the Postal Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934. Specifically, Regulation 22 is amended to allow for the transmission of printed circular letters, printed matter, patterns, samples, and articles of merchandise within the Commonwealth. This amendment is subject to the Postmaster-General's permission and adherence to prescribed conditions. The new regulation removes the requirement for printed circular letters to be posted, altering sub-regulation (5.) accordingly. Moreover, Regulation 43 is revised to eliminate the need for books to bear a specific imprint and removes the reference to this requirement in paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (1.).
These amendments impose obligations on individuals and entities sending printed matter and books through the postal service. They must now obtain permission from the Postmaster-General and ensure compliance with the prescribed conditions. This includes verifying that the items being sent meet the criteria for permissible transmission and obtaining the necessary permissions before posting. The amendments also require adherence to the specified rates of postage based on the nature of the items being sent.
Breach of these regulations may lead to civil or criminal consequences, although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed within the text of these regulations. Generally, failure to comply with postal regulations can result in fines, confiscation of the items, and potential legal action. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific breach and the relevant postal legislation in force at the time of the offence.