Science and Industry Research Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1947 No. 13, made under the Science and Industry Research Act 1920-1945, introduced amendments to the existing Science and Industry Research Regulations. Enacted by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aimed to refine and update the operational framework of the Science and Industry Research Act, which was established to foster scientific research and its application to industry. This legislative instrument sought to address gaps and provide clarity in the regulatory environment surrounding scientific research activities in Australia. The policy objective underpinning these amendments was to ensure that the regulatory provisions remained relevant and effective in supporting the nation's scientific and industrial development.

Scope and Application

The Science and Industry Research Regulations 1947, made under the Science and Industry Research Act 1920-1945, apply to the officers and remuneration associated with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The regulations govern the salary and other terms of service for officers, including those who are also members of the Executive Committee of the Council. Notably, the regulations were amended to adjust the wording of certain clauses, such as replacing "retired" with "retiring" in Regulation 11, and to clarify the meaning of "salary" by including remuneration for service as a member of the Executive Committee in Regulation 13. These regulations have specific commencement dates for different provisions, with certain amendments effective from 9 March 1939 and others from 31 December 1945. The scope of the regulations is limited to the officers and financial arrangements within the CSIRO, with no explicit mention of geographic or jurisdictional limitations, implying a Commonwealth-wide application. The regulations are subject to further adjustments and specifications through subordinate instruments as required by the Act.

Key Provisions

The Science and Industry Research Regulations 1947 amend the existing regulations under the Science and Industry Research Act 1920-1945 in several key areas. Regulation 2 is updated to include a change in the definition of furlough, where the word "retired" is replaced with "retiring" (section 2). Furthermore, the definition of "salary" is expanded to encompass remuneration paid to officers who are also members of the Executive Committee of the Council (section 3). These amendments are designed to provide clearer guidance on the terms used in the regulations and to ensure that the definitions are comprehensive and up-to-date. The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations are primarily concerned with the administration and management of the Science and Industry Research Act 1920-1945. The amendments to Regulation 11 ensure that furlough provisions are correctly applied to officers who are retiring rather than retired, which may have implications for their entitlements and obligations under the Act. The expanded definition of "salary" in Regulation 13 ensures that all forms of remuneration for Executive Committee members are properly accounted for, which may impact financial reporting and compliance requirements. Failure to comply with the provisions of these regulations may result in legal consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach are not explicitly stated in the text, it is likely that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary action, financial penalties, or other enforcement measures under the Science and Industry Research Act 1920-1945. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant case law or guidelines. It is important for parties and entities governed by these regulations to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the updated provisions to avoid potential legal issues.