Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912, No. 121, issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, represent amendments to existing regulations governing postal, telephone, and magazine services within Australia. Enacted by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aimed to refine and update the management of undelivered mail, the classification and regulation of magazines, and the administration of telephone services. The policy objective was to ensure efficient postal and communication services by addressing issues related to the transfer and continuity of service upon subscriber relocation or vacating premises, as well as updating the regulatory framework to accommodate changing postal and telecommunication practices of the time. These regulations came into operation on 29 June 1912, marking an important step in the evolving governance of Australia's postal and telecommunications infrastructure.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, as set out in Statutory Rules 1912, No. 121, apply to the management and operation of postal, magazine, and telephone services within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations govern the handling of undelivered mail matter, the classification and distribution of magazines, and the procedures for subscribers to telephone services when vacating or occupying premises with a telephone service. The amended Regulations specify procedural changes, such as the timing of notices for undelivered mail and alterations in the classification of magazines, as well as obligations for subscribers to notify authorities of changes in their telephone service status. The jurisdictional reach of these Regulations is national, applying to all entities and individuals operating within the postal, magazine, and telephone service sectors across Australia. The Regulations do not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds; however, they do impose penalties for non-compliance with the specified procedures. The application of these Regulations may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910.

Key Provisions

The amended General Postal Regulations (Statutory Rules 1912, No. 121) introduce specific changes to how undelivered mail matter is handled. Regulation 2 now mandates that mail that cannot be delivered should be returned to the sender as soon as possible after the respective periods have expired, instead of waiting until the periods have expired. This ensures quicker returns of undeliverable mail to the senders, minimising delays in mail circulation. The Postal Regulations regarding magazines have been updated to exclude those that are published for sale from the definition of serials (Statutory Rules 1911, No. 89). This change clarifies the distinction between magazines that are part of a serial publication and those that are sold individually, affecting how these items are processed and delivered. Additionally, the Telephone Regulations have been amended to include a new regulation (Statutory Rules 1911, No. 215). Regulation 21a now requires subscribers who are leaving a premises with a telephone service to notify the Deputy Postmaster-General either before leaving or within one week after leaving the premises. Failure to comply with this notice requirement subjects the subscriber to a penalty of up to ten pounds. Furthermore, new occupants of premises with an existing telephone service must obtain a transfer of the service before using it, and any unauthorised use before transferring the service will result in the new occupant being liable for all past and future charges related to the service. The amended regulations impose specific obligations on subscribers and new occupants of telephone services. Subscribers who are leaving or have left a premises must notify the Deputy Postmaster-General of their departure date either before leaving or within one week after leaving, with failure to do so resulting in a penalty of up to ten pounds. New occupants of premises with a telephone service must obtain a transfer of the service before using it, and any use before the transfer will render them liable for all charges related to the service. These regulations ensure clear communication and responsibility in the management and use of postal and telephone services. The regulations also establish clear consequences for non-compliance. Subscribers who fail to notify the Deputy Postmaster-General of their departure date face a penalty of up to ten pounds. New occupants who use a telephone service without obtaining a transfer are liable for all charges related to the service, including any past and future charges. These penalties and liabilities are intended to enforce compliance and ensure the smooth operation of postal and telephone services.