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

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912 No. 188, which includes the Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, was enacted to address the urgent need for amendments to existing regulations concerning money orders and telephone services. The Governor-General, in accordance with the Federal Executive Council's advice, certified the regulations due to their urgency, allowing them to come into immediate effect as Provisional Regulations. The objective of these regulations was to modify existing fees for money orders, reducing the charge for amounts up to £2 and altering the rate for each additional pound, as well as to specify the provision of telephone services during certain hours, where a fee would be applicable for calls made outside of these hours. This legislative instrument was designed to swiftly implement necessary changes in response to the evolving needs of postal and telegraph services in the early years of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910 apply to the operations of money orders and telephone services within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations were enacted urgently and came into immediate operation as certified by the Governor-General. The regulations amend existing rules to adjust the fee structure for money orders, reducing the charge for amounts up to £2 and further decreasing the charge for each additional pound. Additionally, the regulations modify telephone service provisions by specifying that charges apply only for services performed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., while services during other hours are provided free of charge. These amendments aim to refine the financial and operational guidelines for postal and telegraph services, impacting individuals and entities utilising these services across Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Provisional Regulations include changes to the fees for money orders and the provision of telephone services. Firstly, Regulation 4 under the Money Orders section (Statutory Rules, 1907. No. 57) has been amended to change the fee structure. Previously, a fee of 6d. was charged for each pound or fraction of a pound. Now, the fee is set at 6d. for any amount up to £2, and an additional 3d. for each pound or fraction of a pound beyond £2. Secondly, Regulation 36 under the Telephone Regulations section (Statutory Rules, 1912. No. 65) has been amended to introduce a charge for telephone services. If a service is performed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., a charge will apply. However, if the service is performed outside these hours, it will be provided free of charge. The amended Regulations impose specific obligations on parties involved in the use of money orders and telephone services. For money orders, the new fee structure means that individuals or entities issuing money orders must be aware of the updated costs based on the amount being transferred. For telephone services, service providers are required to charge for calls made between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., while calls made outside these hours should be provided free of charge. These obligations ensure that the revised fees and service provisions are adhered to by those utilising these services. The Provisional Regulations do not explicitly state offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches. However, the introduction of these regulations implies that failure to comply with the new fee structures and service provisions could lead to disputes or claims for improperly charged fees. While specific penalties are not outlined in the text, breaches of such regulations could potentially be subject to legal action for recovery of improperly charged fees or for breach of contract, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.