Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1913 No. 219, titled "Provisional Regulations Under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1910," were enacted to amend existing regulations concerning postal and telephone services, reflecting changes necessitated by the urgency of the situation. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for immediate modifications to the fees for postal services, specifically private boxes, and the rental charges for telephone services, particularly those involving table telephones. The regulations were enacted by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, in response to the urgency required for these amendments to come into effect without delay. The policy objective was to ensure the postal and telephone services could adapt swiftly to new circumstances, maintaining efficiency and accessibility for the public. These provisional regulations were implemented to provide an immediate solution to the identified gaps and problems within the existing postal and telephone regulatory framework, ensuring that services could continue to operate smoothly and effectively under the changing conditions of the time. By addressing the specific fee structures and rental charges, the regulations aimed to provide clarity and consistency in service delivery, facilitating the ongoing development and improvement of Australia's communication infrastructure.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1910 apply to individuals and entities engaged in postal and telecommunications services within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations govern the fees for postal services, specifically addressing the rates for different sizes of private boxes, and also detail the rental charges for telephone services, including the additional charges for subscribers supplied with table telephones affixed to adjustable brackets. These regulations extend to all postal and telephone services operating within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth, and they are intended to provide immediate operational guidance until permanent regulations are established. Any exclusions or exemptions from these provisional regulations are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they are subject to the overarching provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1910. The application of these regulations can be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments, which may be introduced to address specific operational or administrative needs as required.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910 concern adjustments to fees for private boxes and telephone services. Regulation 1 modifies the fees for private boxes, stipulating that for a large box, the fee is £1 10s. per annum; for a medium-sized box, £1 per annum; and for a small box, 10s. per annum. This replaces the previous single fee for a small private box of 10s. per annum (Regulation 1(1), (2)). Regulation 28 introduces an additional rental charge for subscribers who are supplied with a table telephone affixed to an adjustable bracket, which is set at 6 shillings above the rental for an ordinary table telephone (Regulation 28(1), (2)). The obligations and requirements imposed by these Regulations concern the postal and telephone services provided by the Commonwealth. For postal services, the new fee structure for private boxes must be adhered to, with the fees varying according to the size of the box. For telephone services, subscribers with table telephones affixed to adjustable brackets must pay the additional rental charge specified in the Regulations. Compliance with these fee structures is mandatory for all subscribers to the postal and telephone services as governed by these Regulations. The Regulations do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with these provisions could potentially lead to disputes over service charges, which may need to be resolved through the courts or the relevant service provider. The exact consequences for non-payment or failure to adhere to the specified fees would depend on the policies of the postal and telephone services at the time, as well as any applicable consumer protection laws. It is important for subscribers to ensure they are aware of and comply with these Regulations to avoid any potential issues with their service providers.