Science and Industry Research (Consultative Council) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Science and Industry Research (Consultative Council) Regulations 1981 were enacted to amend the existing Science and Industry Research (Consultative Council) Regulations under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949. The primary purpose of this legislative instrument is to update the membership of the Consultative Council, specifically replacing the "Association of Officers of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization" with the "CSIRO Officers Association." This adjustment aims to ensure that the Consultative Council continues to represent relevant stakeholders effectively. The Regulations were made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation on 24 November 1980. The policy objective behind these amendments is to maintain an up-to-date and representative Consultative Council that can provide informed advice on matters relating to science and industry research.

Scope and Application

The Science and Industry Research (Consultative Council) Regulations 1981 (Amendment) pertain to the membership of the Consultative Council established under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949. This legislative instrument modifies the existing regulations to adjust the membership of the Consultative Council, specifically by replacing the "Association of Officers of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization" with the "CSIRO Officers Association." These regulations apply to the Commonwealth of Australia and are designed to govern the consultative processes between the Commonwealth and the Consultative Council, impacting entities such as the CSIRO and its officers. The amendment ensures that the Council’s representation aligns with current organisational structures. The regulations extend to all relevant parties involved in scientific and industrial research within Australia, and there are no exclusions or thresholds specified within the text. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of these regulations as necessary.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Science and Industry Research (Consultative Council) Regulations 1981 (Amendment) (F1997B01804) involve modifications to the membership of the Consultative Council, specifically altering the representation of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Regulation 2, which comes into effect on 24 November 1980, amends Regulation 3 of the original Science and Industry Research (Consultative Council) Regulations 1979 (Statutory Rules 1979 No. 207) by replacing the term "Association of Officers of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization" with "CSIRO Officers Association" in sub-regulation (1)(c). This change ensures that the Consultative Council's composition reflects the current organisational structure and representation of interests within CSIRO. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the Consultative Council to include the CSIRO Officers Association as a representative body. The Consultative Council, which advises on matters relating to science and industry research, must now include a member from the CSIRO Officers Association, ensuring that the interests of CSIRO officers are adequately represented in discussions and decisions regarding research policies and priorities. This requirement underscores the importance of including diverse voices in the consultative process, aiming for a comprehensive approach to research governance. Failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations could result in legal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text of the Regulations themselves, breaches of statutory requirements under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 or its subsidiary legislation could potentially lead to legal action. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, consequences could include fines, corrective actions, or other enforcement measures as prescribed by the relevant laws. The exact penalties would be determined in the context of the broader legislative framework and any subsequent judicial interpretations.