Re-establishment and Employment (Conditions of Entry into Employment) Regulations

Overview

The Re-establishment and Employment (Conditions of Entry into Employment) Regulations 1947 were enacted to facilitate the re-entry of discharged members of the armed forces into the civilian workforce, specifically targeting skilled trades such as electrical linesmen in Queensland and architects in South Australia. This legislative instrument was made under the Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945 by the Governor-General in Council, aiming to streamline the process for these veterans to gain employment and necessary certifications. The Regulations address the gap in employment opportunities for returning service members by establishing training programs and modifying certification requirements to accommodate their military experience.

Scope and Application

The Re-establishment and Employment (Conditions of Entry into Employment) Regulations 1947, made under the Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945, specifically apply to discharged members of the Forces seeking employment in the electrical and architectural industries in Queensland and South Australia, respectively. The regulations establish conditions and requirements for such individuals to obtain certificates of competency as electrical linesmen in Queensland and to meet the qualification criteria for registration as architects in South Australia. These regulations extend the application of the relevant state acts to accommodate the unique circumstances of ex-service personnel, thereby facilitating their reintegration into the workforce. The regulations also outline the process for establishing training schools, setting educational and examination standards, and granting certificates of competency for electrical linesmen. Additionally, the regulations modify the Architects Act, 1939 of South Australia to ease the registration process for discharged members of the Forces, requiring them to complete an approved course of study and three years of practical experience.

Key Provisions

The Re-establishment and Employment (Conditions of Entry into Employment) Regulations, enacted under the Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945, outline specific provisions for re-establishing discharged members of the Forces into employment, particularly in the fields of electrical linesmen in Queensland and architects in South Australia. The Regulations are divided into three parts: preliminary information, provisions specific to electrical linesmen in Queensland, and provisions for architects in South Australia. In Part II, concerning electrical linesmen in Queensland, the Regulations allow the Brisbane City Council and approved Queensland Electric Supply Authorities to establish training schools for discharged members of the Forces to become electrical linesmen (regulation 4(1)). These schools must offer a training course approved by the Electrical Workers Board, with examination standards and procedures also approved by the Board (regulation 4(2)). After completing the approved training course and passing the relevant examinations, discharged members can apply for a certificate of competency as an electrical linesman from the Board (regulation 5). The Board may grant this certificate to applicants who demonstrate sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge, skill, and intelligence (regulation 6). A granted certificate of competency is considered valid under the Electrical Workers’ Acts, 1927 to 1931 of Queensland, enabling the holder to work as an electrical linesman in the state (regulation 7). The Regulations impose several obligations and requirements on the involved parties. The Brisbane City Council and approved Queensland Electric Supply Authorities must establish training schools and ensure the courses and examinations meet the standards set by the Electrical Workers Board (regulation 4). Discharged members of the Forces must complete the approved training, pass the required examinations, and acquire relevant experience to be eligible for a certificate of competency (regulations 5 and 6). The Board must assess applicants and grant certificates of competency to those who meet the necessary criteria (regulation 6). Violations of the Regulations may lead to various consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the Regulations, breaches of related Acts or failure to comply with the Board's requirements may result in civil or criminal penalties. For example, practising as an electrical linesman without a valid certificate of competency could lead to fines or other penalties under the Electrical Workers’ Acts, 1927 to 1931 of Queensland. The exact penalties would depend on the specific provisions of those Acts and any applicable state laws.