Science and Industry Research Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Science and Industry Research Act 1949-1959 was enacted to provide a legislative framework for the promotion and coordination of scientific research and industrial development in Australia. This Act aimed to fill a gap by establishing a structured approach to supporting research initiatives that could drive economic growth and technological advancement. The Science and Industry Research Regulations 1963 were subsequently introduced to offer detailed operational guidelines under the Act. These regulations were made by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and were designed to implement the policy objectives of fostering scientific and industrial research. The 1963 Regulations included amendments such as adjusting the travelling allowance for members of a State Committee, reflecting the evolving needs of research coordination within the framework established by the Act.

Scope and Application

The Science and Industry Research Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1963, No. 125, apply to members of State Committees involved in the administration of research grants under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949-1959. The amendments primarily concern the financial aspects of these Regulations, specifically increasing the travelling allowance for members of these State Committees. These Regulations, operating at the Commonwealth level, are designed to provide a standardised approach to the management of research funding across Australia. The scope of these Regulations extends to the financial compensation for State Committee members' travel expenses incurred in the course of their duties, with a specific amendment to Regulation 5 reflecting an increase in the travelling allowance from Six pounds six shillings to Eight pounds ten shillings. The Regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions other than the particular amendment to the allowance rate, and their application is not restricted by any stated thresholds in this legislative instrument. These Regulations are effective from the date of their commencement, 4 July 1963, and may be further extended or modified through subsequent subordinate legislation as required.

Key Provisions

The Science and Industry Research Regulations 1963 amend the existing Science and Industry Research Regulations from 1949, introducing specific changes to the allowances payable to members of State Committees. The most notable amendment (section 2) concerns the travelling allowance for members of a State Committee, which has been increased from six pounds six shillings to eight pounds ten shillings. These regulations came into operation on 4 July 1963 (section 1). These regulations impose certain obligations on the members of State Committees under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949-1959. Specifically, they outline the financial allowances that are payable to these members for their services. The amendment to the travelling allowance is designed to reflect changes in economic conditions or to compensate for increased costs associated with travel, ensuring that members are adequately remunerated for their roles. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure that State Committee members are fairly compensated for their time and expenses related to their committee duties. Failure to adhere to the provisions of these regulations may result in various consequences. While the regulations themselves do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance, breaches of the Science and Industry Research Act 1949-1959 or its regulations could potentially lead to legal action. The act may include provisions that allow for fines or other penalties for non-compliance, although the exact nature and extent of these penalties would need to be examined in the context of the overarching act. It is also important to note that non-compliance with these regulations could potentially impact the effectiveness and integrity of the Science and Industry Research activities overseen by the State Committees.