Sale of Meteorological Publications Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, enacted in 1912, were introduced to address the immediate need for regulating the sale of meteorological publications. The Meteorology Act 1906 was established to provide for the collection and dissemination of meteorological information and to establish a national meteorological service. The provisional nature of these regulations highlights the urgency to implement necessary amendments without delay, ensuring the smooth operation of meteorological services and the distribution of critical data to the public. These regulations were enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting the policy objective of facilitating efficient and accessible dissemination of meteorological information.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, which have been expedited for immediate effect due to their urgency, pertain to the sale of meteorological publications, specifically amending the schedule to include revised monthly and annual average rainfall maps and revised monthly and average temperature maps of Australia. These regulations apply to any entity or individual involved in the sale of such meteorological publications within the Commonwealth of Australia. The scope of these regulations is limited to the sale of the specified meteorological maps, which are to be distributed at no charge for postage, further underscoring their public service intent. The regulations extend to the entire Commonwealth, ensuring a uniform approach to the dissemination of critical weather data across the nation. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text of the regulations, but it is implied that the provisions apply broadly to all entities engaged in the sale of the specified meteorological publications, thereby ensuring the accessibility and distribution of essential weather information. The regulations may be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments as needed to maintain the relevance and efficacy of the meteorological data provided to the public.

Key Provisions

The provisional regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, detailed in Statutory Rules 1912, No. 245, introduce specific provisions concerning the sale of meteorological publications (section 1). Notably, the amendments (section 1(1)) include the addition of revised Monthly and Annual Average Rainfall Maps of Australia and revised Monthly and Average Temperature Maps of Australia to the schedule of publications available for purchase. These maps are priced at one shilling per set and are available postage free, facilitating easier access to essential meteorological data. The regulations impose obligations on the parties involved in the sale of these publications, primarily the Government Printer for the State of Victoria, who is responsible for the production and distribution of these maps (section 1). The Government Printer must ensure that the maps are accurately produced, priced correctly, and made available to the public without the additional cost of postage. This responsibility underscores the importance of providing reliable and accessible meteorological data to support various sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. Failure to comply with the provisions of these regulations may result in legal consequences. Although the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text, it is reasonable to infer that breaches could lead to civil or administrative penalties under the Meteorology Act 1906. The precise nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the specifics of the breach and any additional guidelines or regulations that might apply. In conclusion, the provisional regulations under the Meteorology Act 1906, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1912, No. 245, aim to enhance the availability and accessibility of essential meteorological data through the sale of revised maps. By imposing clear obligations on the Government Printer and potentially setting the stage for civil or administrative penalties for non-compliance, these regulations seek to ensure that accurate and timely meteorological information is made available to the public.