Queensland Grant (Special Assistance) Act 1981

Overview

The Queensland Grant (Special Assistance) Act 1981 was enacted to provide financial assistance to the state of Queensland during a period of economic difficulty. The Act was passed by the Queen and the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and received Royal Assent on 2 December 1981. The primary objective of this legislation was to offer financial support to Queensland by granting a sum of $58,500,000 for the year starting 1 July 1981. The payments were to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund and the amounts and timings of these payments were to be approved by the Treasurer. This Act addresses the gap in financial resources for Queensland, allowing the state to manage its fiscal responsibilities more effectively during a challenging period.

Scope and Application

The Queensland Grant (Special Assistance) Act 1981 is a legislative instrument enacted to provide financial support to the state of Queensland for a specific purpose. The Act applies to the state of Queensland, focusing on the allocation of financial resources for the fiscal year beginning 1 July 1981. It does not explicitly define the entities or industries to which the assistance applies, but it is broadly intended for state-level financial needs as determined by the Commonwealth. The geographic reach of this Act is confined to Queensland, as it specifically targets the state’s financial requirements. The Act’s provisions include the payment of a specified sum of $58,500,000 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, with the exact timing and amounts subject to approval by the Treasurer. The Act does not detail any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within its primary text, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments as per the provided excerpt.

Key Provisions

The Queensland Grant (Special Assistance) Act 1981 (section 3) establishes the payment of a specific sum of $58,500,000 to Queensland for financial assistance purposes. The payment is to be made during the year that began on 1 July 1981. This payment amount and the schedule for these payments are subject to approval by the Treasurer (section 3(2)). The appropriation for these payments is to be sourced from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is designated for this purpose (section 4). The Act imposes certain obligations on the parties it governs, primarily the Commonwealth of Australia and the Treasurer. The Commonwealth is obligated to disburse the specified amount of $58,500,000 as financial assistance to Queensland, in accordance with the terms outlined in section 3. The Treasurer has the authority to determine the specific amounts and timing of these payments (section 3(2)). Additionally, the appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund is designated for this purpose, ensuring that the financial resources are available for the specified assistance (section 4). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for breach detailed within the text of this Act. The provisions primarily focus on the financial assistance to be provided and the appropriations necessary to facilitate this. Given the absence of specific penalties in the text, it can be inferred that the Act relies on the general legal and financial frameworks in place to address any non-compliance with the outlined obligations. In summary, the Queensland Grant (Special Assistance) Act 1981 provides a clear mandate for the disbursement of $58,500,000 in financial assistance to Queensland, with the Treasurer having the discretion over the payment schedule. The Act ensures that the necessary funds are appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. There are no explicit penalties for breach mentioned in the text, suggesting that compliance is to be ensured through the existing legal and financial oversight mechanisms.