Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Regulations of 1974 were enacted under the authority of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act 1949-1973. This legislation was introduced to address specific administrative and operational requirements within the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, a significant post-World War II infrastructure project aimed at harnessing the Snowy River for hydro-electric power generation and irrigation. The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act 1949-1973 provides the framework for the administration and management of the scheme, and these regulations were designed to ensure its smooth operation by detailing certain operational aspects. The regulations were made by the Governor-General of Australia, acting on the advice of the Executive Council, as per the legislative process outlined in the Act. The primary policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that the financial and administrative aspects of the scheme are managed effectively and in line with the broader public service standards, as evidenced by the prescribed amount for certain salary-related provisions.

Scope and Application

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Regulations, amended in 1974, apply to the administration and operation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act 1949-1973. These regulations primarily focus on the financial aspects of compensation for employees in the context of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The regulations specify a prescribed amount for the purposes of sub-section 22(5) of the Act, which pertains to compensation for officers within the scheme, particularly those classified as Class 11 in the Third Division under the Public Service Act 1922-1973. This amendment ensures that the compensation for such officers aligns with the maximum annual salary payable to officers within the relevant public service classification. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is confined to the operations and administrative activities governed by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act, and they do not extend beyond the scope of the Act unless explicitly stated through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Regulations 1974, which amend the existing Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Regulations, introduce a new regulation (Regulation 3) to define the prescribed amount for the purpose of subsection 22(5) of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act 1949-1973. This prescribed amount is set as an amount equal to the maximum annual salary payable to an officer classified as Class 11 in the Third Division, as per the Public Service Act 1922-1973. This provision aims to establish a clear and consistent benchmark for financial considerations related to the operation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act 1949-1973. Under these regulations, the entities and individuals governed by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Act 1949-1973 are required to adhere to the newly defined prescribed amount. This adherence is critical for ensuring compliance with the financial stipulations outlined in subsection 22(5) of the Act. It is imperative for those involved in the operations or management of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Scheme to be aware of and apply this prescribed amount in their financial dealings and calculations. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in significant consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, it is clear that non-compliance could lead to civil or criminal repercussions. The precise nature of these repercussions would depend on the extent and impact of the non-compliance, but it is evident that adherence to the prescribed amount is legally mandated and must be strictly observed to avoid any adverse outcomes. The stringent financial regulations underscore the importance of precise compliance in the management and operation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power Scheme.