Public Works Committee Regulations 1915

Overview

The Public Works Committee Regulations 1915 were enacted to provide detailed guidelines on the payment of fees and expenses for witnesses and assessors under the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-1914. The need for these regulations arose to ensure that individuals providing evidence or expert assessment to the Public Works Committee and its Sectional Committees were fairly compensated for their time and incurred expenses, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of the committee's functions. These regulations were made by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council and came into effect immediately, superseding any previous provisional regulations. The policy objective was to establish clear and equitable terms for those contributing to public works projects overseen by the committee, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Scope and Application

The Public Works Committee Regulations 1915, made under the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-1914, pertain to the operational procedures and financial provisions for witnesses and assessors who appear before the Public Works Committee or any Sectional Committees established under the Act. These Regulations apply to all individuals who give evidence or assist in the work of these committees, including legal and medical practitioners, civil engineers, land surveyors, architects, dentists, bankers, merchants, auctioneers, accountants, master tradesmen, farmers, clerks, artisans, labourers, and other witnesses. They are designed to provide structured financial compensation for those who contribute their expertise and time to the committee's proceedings. The Regulations cover both the fees for witnesses and the remuneration for assessors, which are subject to approval by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Committee or Sectional Committee. Geographically, these Regulations have a national reach, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the Regulations themselves, but the application of fees and remuneration is contingent upon the approval of the relevant committee officials. These Regulations also supersede any previous provisional regulations made under the Act, ensuring a consistent and updated framework for the compensation of committee participants.

Key Provisions

The Public Works Committee Regulations 1915 (section 1) are a set of rules created under the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-1914. These regulations outline the procedures and allowances for payments to witnesses and assessors who participate in the activities of the Public Works Committee or any Sectional Committee established under the Act. Section 2 of the regulations states that witnesses who give evidence before the Committee or a Sectional Committee can be paid fees and reimbursed for travel expenses, subject to the approval of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman. The fees are set according to a specific schedule attached to the regulations, which differentiates the rates based on the witness's profession or occupation. Similarly, section 3 stipulates that assessors, who assist the Committee or a Sectional Committee, can be remunerated at a rate of two guineas per diem, also subject to approval by the relevant authority. The regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. Primarily, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Committee or a Sectional Committee is responsible for approving payments to witnesses and assessors (section 2 and 3). This approval process ensures that only legitimate claims for fees and expenses are honoured, preventing any misuse or overpayment. Additionally, witnesses and assessors must provide the necessary documentation to substantiate their claims for fees and expenses, as required by the regulations. Failure to comply with the provisions of these regulations may lead to legal consequences. Although the regulations themselves do not explicitly state offences or penalties for non-compliance, breaches of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-1914, under which these regulations are made, could result in civil or criminal liability. The Act provides for various penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and the specific provisions of the Act that are contravened. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts in the context of any legal proceedings brought under the Act.