Quarantine Regulations 1917 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 289, enacted as a regulation under the Quarantine Act 1908-1915, was established to address the need for updated fees for the disinfection of used or second-hand harness, saddlery, or horse effects returned to Australia. This regulation was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective behind these amendments was to ensure that the fees for disinfection services were appropriately updated and in line with the conditions set out in the Quarantine Proclamation No. 17 of 18 May 1917. This was achieved through the amendment of the Quarantine Regulations 1917, specifically by inserting a new regulation detailing the fees for various items. The amendments aimed to provide clear and structured guidelines for the disinfection process, thereby maintaining effective quarantine measures.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument is a regulation made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1915, amending the Quarantine Regulations 1917. The regulation introduces a new fee schedule for the disinfection of used or second-hand harness, saddlery, or horse effects returned to Australia, as specified in Quarantine Proclamation No. 17 of 18th May, 1917. The fees vary according to the type of item, with saddles, harness, pack saddlery, and other horse effects being subject to fees of 5 shillings each, 5 shillings per set, 5 shillings per article, and 1 shilling per article respectively. This amendment applies nationally, affecting all individuals or entities importing such items into Australia, and it comes into effect immediately upon its creation. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions, but it is inherently limited to the items and conditions specified in the referenced proclamation and regulations. The scope of application is further defined by the Quarantine Act 1908-1915 and the Quarantine Regulations 1917, which provide the legislative framework within which these amendments operate.

Key Provisions

The Quarantine Regulations 1919, as an amendment to the Quarantine Regulations 1917, introduce a new section 102a (referenced as C1919L00289). This new section outlines the fees to be charged for the disinfection of used or second-hand harness, saddlery, or horse effects that are returned to Australia under the conditions of Quarantine Proclamation No. 17 of 18 May 1917. Specifically, it mandates a fee of five shillings for each saddle, five shillings per set for harness, five shillings for pack saddlery, and one shilling per article for other horse effects. These fees are intended to cover the costs associated with ensuring that these items are free from contaminants and pests that could pose a risk to Australia's biosecurity. The amendment imposes clear financial obligations on importers and owners of used or second-hand harness, saddlery, or horse effects. It requires them to pay the specified disinfection fees upon the return of these items to Australia. This is in addition to any other fees or requirements stipulated under existing regulations or proclamations. By specifying the fees, the regulation aims to standardise the cost and streamline the process of disinfection and re-entry of these items into the country. Failure to comply with the financial obligations set forth in section 102a could result in penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, under the broader framework of the Quarantine Act 1908-1915, non-compliance with quarantine regulations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could result in imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. Importers and owners must, therefore, ensure they adhere to these regulations to avoid any potential legal consequences.