Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1963

Overview

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1963 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to amend the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1960. Specifically, it extends the term of office for the Commissioner of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority from 64 to 67 years. This legislation was introduced to ensure continued leadership and stability within the Authority, as it was deemed necessary for the ongoing management and development of the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric project. The policy objective appears to be maintaining the project's progress and efficiency under experienced leadership. The Act was assented to on 1 November 1963 and commenced on 29 November 1963, reflecting the urgency and importance placed on the continuity of the Authority’s operations. By amending the earlier Act, this legislation aims to address any potential gaps in leadership that could arise from the natural turnover of personnel, thus supporting the broader objectives of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

Scope and Application

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1963 is a piece of Commonwealth legislation that specifically pertains to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority. It amends the earlier Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1960 by extending the term of office for the Commissioner, thereby affecting the administrative structure and operational continuity of the Authority. This Act applies to the Commissioner of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority and extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia. The Act does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions; however, its primary focus on the extension of the Commissioner's term suggests that its application is targeted at ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Authority's functions. The Act itself does not extend its application through subordinate instruments but rather directly amends the previously established Act, thus maintaining a clear and direct legislative focus.

Key Provisions

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1963 (section 1) establishes the legislative framework for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority and amends the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority Act 1960 to extend the period of office of the Commissioner from sixty-four to sixty-seven years. This Act is significant in maintaining the continuity and functionality of the Authority by ensuring that the Commissioner’s tenure is extended, thereby providing stability and continuity in the administration of the Authority’s operations. The amendment is straightforward, focusing on the temporal aspect of the Commissioner’s role within the Authority. Entities governed by this Act, particularly the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority, must adhere to the revised provisions concerning the tenure of the Commissioner. The primary obligation is to ensure that the Commissioner’s term is extended to sixty-seven years as specified in section 2 of the amended Act. This change necessitates administrative adjustments within the Authority to accommodate the extended term, including any necessary documentation and procedural updates to reflect the new duration of the Commissioner’s office. In terms of legal consequences, there are no explicit offences or penalties outlined within the Act for non-compliance with the extended period of office. However, failure to adhere to the legislative requirements could potentially lead to administrative or operational inefficiencies within the Authority. Given the nature of the Act, any non-compliance would likely be addressed through internal administrative measures rather than through formal legal penalties. The Act itself does not specify any civil or criminal penalties for breaches of its provisions. However, the consequences of not following the legislative amendments could be significant in terms of operational continuity and the Authority’s ability to fulfill its mandate. Given the critical nature of the Authority’s functions, adherence to the Act’s provisions is paramount to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the hydro-electric infrastructure managed by the Authority.