Postal Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1970 No. 122, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1968, was introduced to amend the Postal Regulations and address issues related to the re-purchase of stamps for payment of certain licenses and telephone accounts, as well as to adjust accrued charges on parcels returned from abroad and other related postal services. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Governor-General, Paul Hasluck, in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, aimed at ensuring the smooth operation and regulation of postal services within the country. The policy objective of these amendments is to provide a more flexible and efficient postal service system, addressing the needs of the public in relation to their postal transactions and ensuring that the postal service remains a vital and accessible utility.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1968 apply to the Commonwealth and cover various aspects of postal services and transactions. The scope of these regulations includes the re-purchasing of postage stamps for payment of certain licenses or telephone accounts, acknowledgment of delivery, accrued charges on parcels returned from abroad, compensation, and further payment on money orders. These regulations specifically pertain to the Postmaster-General’s operations and the services rendered under the Commonwealth’s postal framework. The amendments and insertions within these regulations aim to streamline processes and address certain financial transactions related to postal services. Geographic and jurisdictional reach is limited to the Commonwealth, encompassing all areas and entities governed by the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1968. No explicit exclusions or exemptions are mentioned in the text, implying that the regulations apply broadly to the specified services unless otherwise noted in subordinate instruments. The amendments reflect adjustments to specific regulatory provisions to ensure they align with contemporary financial standards and operational needs.

Key Provisions

The statutory rules, numbered 1970 No. 122, establish amendments to the Postal Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1968. Section 1 introduces a new regulation, "117", which permits the Commonwealth to repurchase undefaced postage stamps affixed to cards for payment of certain licences or telephone accounts, such as broadcast listener’s or television viewer’s licences under the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942-1969, and rental fees for telephone services (section 1). This provision allows the Commonwealth to apply the face value of the stamps towards these payments. In addition to this, section 2 repeals Regulation 196, which dealt with the acknowledgment of delivery, thereby removing a previous requirement or process associated with delivery confirmations. Section 3 modifies Regulation 210 by updating the monetary amount from Forty shillings to Four dollars in sub-regulation (2), which likely pertains to accrued charges on parcels returned from abroad. Section 4 amends Regulation 241 by adding a sub-regulation (3) that allows for further payment of a money order if special circumstances justify it, even if payment has already been made by the Department, provided the Postmaster-General authorizes the additional payment. Lastly, section 5 repeals Regulation 259, which concerned notices by masters of vessels, removing a previous regulatory requirement or process related to maritime communications. These changes collectively aim to update and streamline certain aspects of postal service regulations, including payment methods, charge adjustments, and the handling of money orders under special circumstances.