Public Works Committee Regulations 1953 (Amendment)

Overview

The Public Works Committee Regulations 1958 were enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Public Works Committee Act 1913-1953, aiming to amend existing regulations governing the allowances for public works committee members. These regulations were issued to address administrative adjustments needed in the context of evolving economic conditions and operational requirements of the Public Works Committee. The regulations were brought into effect by statutory rules, which were subsequently notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 20th March 1958. The policy objective, as indicated by the amendments, was to update the financial allowances to better reflect the current economic environment and ensure that the committee members' remunerations are commensurate with their responsibilities.

Scope and Application

The Public Works Committee Regulations, 1958, constitute a legislative instrument designed to amend existing regulations under the Public Works Committee Act 1913-1953. These regulations are applicable to the Public Works Committee and pertain to the allowances prescribed for certain functions and activities within the scope of the Committee's work. The regulations have a national reach, as they are established under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia and apply across all states and territories. The specified amendment to the prescribed allowances affects particular financial stipulations within the Committee's operational framework. This amendment is effective as of May 1, 1957, as per the regulations' commencement clause. The regulations do not explicitly detail any exclusions or thresholds but focus on updating the financial allowances to ensure the Committee operates within updated fiscal parameters. The application of these regulations may be further extended or specified through additional subordinate instruments, as permitted under the overarching Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1958 No. 15 provide for amendments to the Public Works Committee Regulations under the Public Works Committee Act 1913-1953. Specifically, Regulation 2 of these Regulations (section 1) is deemed to have come into operation on the first day of May 1957. Regulation 6 is further amended by modifying sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (1) to change the prescribed allowance from “Two pounds ten shillings” to “Three pounds thirteen shillings and sixpence” (section 2). These Regulations impose specific obligations on the entities governed by the Public Works Committee Act. The amendment to Regulation 6 means that the prescribed allowance for certain categories of expenses is now increased, affecting the financial obligations and entitlements of those subject to the Public Works Committee Regulations. This change in the prescribed allowance is intended to ensure that the financial provisions are kept up-to-date with economic changes or inflation. The Statutory Rules do not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches of these Regulations. However, under the broader Public Works Committee Act 1913-1953, there may be provisions for penalties and enforcement mechanisms that apply to non-compliance with the Regulations. Practitioners should refer to the Act itself to understand the potential consequences of breaching the amended Regulations. The penalties under the Act could include fines or other sanctions as stipulated by the Act's provisions, but such specific details are not provided within these Regulations.