Quarantine Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1921, No. 105, represent a regulation made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920, designed to amend the Quarantine Regulations of 1917. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this legislative instrument sought to refine the process for issuing outward bills of health at Australian ports, particularly by adjusting the fees associated with such issuances. The objective was to provide a more structured and financially regulated approach to the certification of vessels leaving Australian ports, thereby enhancing the efficiency and oversight of maritime health protocols. This regulation, which came into effect on 1 July 1921, was promulgated to address the need for updated administrative processes in line with the evolving maritime and public health landscape of the time.

Scope and Application

The Quarantine Regulations 1921, made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920, primarily pertain to the issuance of Outward Bills of Health for vessels departing from Australian ports. These regulations apply to the master, owner, or agents of any vessel visiting an Australian port, except for vessels of war, which are exempt from the payment of the prescribed fee for such bills of health. The geographic scope of these regulations is national, applying across all Australian ports. The regulations also allow for the extension and restriction of their application through subordinate instruments, providing flexibility in their enforcement and adaptation to changing circumstances. Notably, the regulations amend the previous Quarantine Regulations of 1917 by replacing regulation 10, thereby updating the fee structure and administrative procedures for issuing Outward Bills of Health. These amendments reflect the evolving needs of maritime trade and public health safety at the time.

Key Provisions

The Regulation under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920, published as Statutory Rules 1921, No. 105, introduces amendments to the Quarantine Regulations 1917, specifically altering regulation 10. Under the new regulation 10 (paragraph 1), an Outward Bill of Health is to be issued for any Australian port and its vicinity upon application by the master, owner, or agents of any visiting vessel. This document, which certifies the health status of the vessel and its cargo, is to be issued by a medical quarantine officer or other authorised officer, except for vessels of war, and is subject to a fee of Ten shillings. These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved. Vessels visiting Australian ports must apply for an Outward Bill of Health from the relevant medical quarantine officer or authorised officer. This requirement ensures that all vessels, barring those of war, adhere to the stipulated fee payment, facilitating the health certification process. The master, owner, or agents of the vessel are responsible for ensuring that the application for the Outward Bill of Health is made in a timely manner, and that the fee is paid if applicable. Non-compliance with the requirements set forth in this Regulation may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of quarantine regulations can typically lead to fines, detention of the vessel, or other legal repercussions as outlined in the Quarantine Act 1908-1920. The issuance of an Outward Bill of Health is critical for the safe and regulated movement of vessels and their cargoes, thereby protecting public health and ensuring compliance with international health standards.