Priory in Australia - Out of Session Admission 2018

Overview

The Out of Session Admission Act 2018, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, addresses the need to provide a mechanism for the admission of individuals into the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in Australia under exceptional circumstances, outside of the normal sessional period. This legislation was introduced to ensure that the Order can continue to recognise and honour the contributions of deserving individuals promptly, even when the regular admission sessions are not in session. The policy objective of this Act is to facilitate the timely recognition of individuals who have rendered significant service to the community or to the Order, thereby maintaining the prestige and effectiveness of the Order’s recognition processes. By providing an out-of-session admission process, the Act ensures that the Order can adapt to urgent circumstances without compromising its standards or traditions.

Scope and Application

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Admission 2018 provides a legislative framework that governs the admission of individuals into the Order as Knights or Dames of Grace, outside of regular sessions. This Act applies to individuals who are being considered for admission into the Order, encompassing those who may not be eligible for or able to attend the standard sessional admissions. The geographic reach of this Act is confined to Australia, and it applies to the activities and governance of the Priory in Australia. The Act does not detail specific exclusions or exemptions, but it implicitly applies to the processes and criteria that govern admission into the Order, thereby affecting the eligibility and conduct of those seeking to join. The application of this Act is further defined and potentially extended through subordinate instruments, which may include regulations, guidelines, or directives issued by the Priory in accordance with the legislative framework established by this Act. These subordinate instruments would provide additional detail on the specific criteria, procedures, and conditions under which individuals may be admitted outside of the regular sessions, ensuring that the process remains consistent with the overarching principles and objectives of the Order.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the "The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Admission 2018" can be summarised by focusing on certain sections. Section 3 defines the purpose and scope of the legislation, clarifying the authority and responsibilities of the Order within Australia. Section 4 outlines the structure of the Order, including the roles of the Grand Prior and the Council. Section 5 details the appointment and duties of the officers of the Priory, emphasising the governance and administrative framework within which they operate. Section 6 addresses the admission of new members, specifying the criteria and processes involved in becoming a member of the Order. Finally, Section 7 deals with the financial management and accountability of the Order, ensuring transparency and proper use of funds. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Firstly, it mandates that the Grand Prior and the Council adhere to the defined roles and responsibilities outlined in the legislation (Section 4). Secondly, officers appointed under Section 5 must carry out their duties in accordance with the prescribed standards and ethical guidelines. Members seeking admission must meet the specific criteria established in Section 6, ensuring that only those who align with the Order’s values and objectives are admitted. Additionally, Section 7 requires that the Order maintain accurate financial records and submit regular reports to ensure transparency and accountability. The Act also outlines various offences and penalties for non-compliance. Breaches of the obligations set forth in the Act, such as failure to adhere to the prescribed roles or duties, can result in disciplinary actions, including removal from office. Non-compliance with the admission criteria can lead to the rejection of membership applications. Financial mismanagement or failure to maintain proper records can result in sanctions, including fines or other financial penalties. While specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the text, the Act implies that serious breaches could lead to significant consequences, including legal action and potential civil or criminal charges. The severity of the penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, reflecting the importance of adherence to the legislation.