Science and Industry Research Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Science and Industry Research Regulations 1953 were enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Science and Industry Research Act 1949, to address the need for adjustments in the financial allowances for members of State Committees involved in scientific and industrial research. This legislative instrument was created to provide an updated framework for the administration and support of research activities across various states in Australia, thereby ensuring that the financial provisions are aligned with the evolving needs and costs associated with research endeavours. The objective of these regulations is to ensure that members of the State Committees receive adequate compensation for their travel expenses, which is crucial for the effective functioning of research initiatives. The Regulations were established by the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically through the authority of the Governor-General acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. These amendments aimed to rectify the financial discrepancies by increasing the travelling allowance for State Committee members, reflecting the policy objective to support and incentivise active participation in research activities. The amendments, which came into effect on the first of July, 1952, underscore the commitment to fostering scientific and industrial research through appropriate financial support mechanisms.

Scope and Application

The Science and Industry Research Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1953 No. 66, apply to members of State Committees who are involved in scientific and industrial research activities within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations specifically address the adjustment of the travelling allowance payable to such members, reflecting the changes to the monetary value of the allowance from two pounds ten shillings to three pounds three shillings. The amendment aims to ensure that the financial support provided to committee members is reflective of current economic conditions, thereby maintaining the viability and effectiveness of the research activities they oversee. This legislative instrument is applicable nationally, extending its reach across the Commonwealth to encompass all relevant State Committees engaged in scientific and industrial research. The regulations are designed to support the overarching objectives of the Science and Industry Research Act 1949, ensuring that research activities are adequately funded and managed within the federal framework. While the primary focus of these regulations is on financial allowances for committee members, they do not explicitly exclude any particular entities or activities from their application, nor do they establish specific thresholds that would limit their scope. However, the regulations can be further extended or restricted through additional subordinate instruments as necessary to align with evolving research needs and administrative practices.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of these Regulations under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 pertain primarily to the amendment of existing regulations regarding travel allowances for members of State Committees. Regulation 5 is specifically modified to increase the travelling allowance from the previous rate of two pounds ten shillings to a new rate of three pounds three shillings (section 1). These Regulations are deemed to have come into effect on the first day of July 1952, providing a retroactive application to the amended allowance (section 2). These Regulations impose certain obligations on the entities they govern, namely the State Committees. The members of these committees are now entitled to a revised travelling allowance, as specified in the amended Regulation 5. This change ensures that the financial support for travel expenses is updated in line with the current economic conditions or other relevant factors necessitating the adjustment. Violation of the provisions outlined in these Regulations could result in legal consequences, although the specific nature of these consequences is not detailed in the text. Generally, breaches of regulations under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 could lead to both civil and criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the infraction. The maximum penalties for breaches are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they can be found in the primary Act or associated legislation. Compliance with the updated allowances is essential to avoid any legal repercussions that might arise from non-compliance.