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

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1911, No. 24, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901, specifically address the regulation of parcel redirection services. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this provisional regulation was introduced to streamline and formalise the process of redirecting parcels, ensuring efficient postal services. The objective was to provide clear guidelines and conditions for redirection, including the payment of applicable charges and the handling of duties for dutiable items, thus addressing the need for a more organised and reliable parcel redirection system. This regulation was intended to enhance the effectiveness of postal services by establishing clear protocols for redirections within and beyond the Commonwealth.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule, issued under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901, sets forth regulations concerning the redirection of parcels, effective as a provisional regulation. The rule applies to any parcels intended for redirection based on a properly signed authority from the sender or addressee. The regulation applies to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, including redirections within the same delivery area, to another delivery or post town within the Commonwealth, or to a location outside the Commonwealth. The redirection charges vary depending on the distance and destination of the parcel, with specific provisions for parcels requiring customs duty assessments. The rule mandates that either the sender, addressee, or the person presenting the parcel must prepay the additional redirection charges or provide a written guarantee of payment, which must be from a person known to the officer in charge. The rule does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but does note that additional charges apply for redirection to certain locations and under specific circumstances. The regulation supersedes the previous rule concerning redirection and is intended to come into immediate operation due to its urgent nature.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 concern the redirection of parcels (Section 1). This regulation allows for the redirection of a parcel to a new address upon receipt of a properly signed authority from the sender or the addressee. This provision is subject to certain conditions (Section 1(a)). For instance, the sender, the addressee, or the person presenting the parcel for redirection must either prepay the additional redirection charges or provide a written guarantee that the charges will be paid by the addressee upon delivery. The guarantee must be given by someone known to the officer in charge. If the redirection is within the same delivery area, no charge is applicable (Section 1(b)). However, if the redirection is to another delivery or post town within the Commonwealth, the charge is half the fully prepaid postage rate but not less than 6d (Section 1(c)). If the redirection is to a country outside the Commonwealth, the parcel will be subject to additional postage at the fully prepaid rate (Section 1(d)). Additionally, if the parcel is redirected after delivery, it will also be subject to additional postage at the fully prepaid rate (Section 1(e)). For dutiable parcels redirected to a place within the Commonwealth where a Customs Officer is not stationed, a debit note showing the assessments for duty made at the office where the parcel was valued for duty must accompany the parcel (Section 1(f)). The Provisional Regulation imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. The sender or the addressee must provide a properly signed authority for the redirection of the parcel. They are also required to either prepay the additional redirection charges or provide a written guarantee that the charges will be paid by the addressee upon delivery, with the guarantee only being accepted from someone known to the officer in charge. Additionally, if the parcel is dutiable and redirected to a place where a Customs Officer is not stationed, the sender must ensure that a debit note showing the assessments for duty is included with the parcel. Breaches of the Provisional Regulation can lead to civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the regulation, general postal regulations and the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 may apply. Typically, unauthorised redirection or failure to pay redirection charges could result in civil penalties, including fines. In more severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued, potentially leading to imprisonment, particularly if the breach involves fraudulent activities or significant financial loss. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the relevant laws in place at the time of the offence.