Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912, No. 198, enacted as a regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, was introduced to amend existing postal regulations to address specific logistical needs related to the transmission of voting papers within the Shire of Widgee, Gympie. This legislative instrument was made by the Governor-General in Council, thus establishing it as an authoritative directive to facilitate the efficient handling of postal matters in the context of electoral processes. The policy objective of the regulation is to ensure that voting papers can be sent without prepayment of postage, with the postage to be paid by the receiver upon delivery, thereby streamlining the process and potentially increasing voter participation by alleviating financial barriers.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, issued under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, amends the General Postal Regulations to include a specific provision regarding the postage for voting papers in elections for the Shire of Widgee, Gympie. The amended Regulation allows postal articles addressed to "The Returning Officer, Shire of Widgee, Gympie," and marked "Voting Paper, Shire of Widgee," to be sent without the prepayment of postage. However, the person to whom these voting papers are addressed must pay the postage at the prepaid rates upon their delivery. This amendment is geographically limited to the Shire of Widgee, Gympie, and it does not extend to other regions or postal transactions outside of this specific context. It applies to individuals or entities involved in sending voting papers for the Shire of Widgee, Gympie, elections under the stipulated terms. The regulation comes into operation on the 19th of October, 1912, and is issued by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council's advice.

Key Provisions

The General Postal Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1912, No. 198, introduce specific provisions concerning the postage payment for certain postal articles. According to section 1 of the Regulation, postal articles addressed to "The Returning Officer, Shire of Widgee, Gympie," and endorsed "Voting Paper, Shire of Widgee," may be sent without the need for prepayment of postage (section 1). However, the recipient, upon delivery of these articles, is required to pay the postage at the prepaid rates (section 1). Entities or individuals sending these specific postal articles are obligated to address them correctly to ensure they qualify for the exemption from prepayment of postage. This includes ensuring the address is clearly marked as intended for "The Returning Officer, Shire of Widgee, Gympie," and endorsed as "Voting Paper, Shire of Widgee" (section 1). The person to whom these articles are addressed must then pay the postage upon delivery, adhering to the prepaid rates specified (section 1). Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in this Regulation may result in penalties, although the specific nature of these penalties is not detailed within the statutory rules. Typically, under postal regulations, non-compliance might lead to fines or other administrative consequences, but the exact penalties would be in line with broader postal legislation and regulations. It is important for parties involved to adhere strictly to these provisions to avoid any potential repercussions.