Social Security Amendment Act 1983
No. 4 of 1983
An Act relating to unemployment benefit
[Assented to 27 April 1983]
BE IT ENACTED by the Queen, and the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:
Short title, &c.
1. (1) This Act may be cited as the Social Security Amendment Act 1983.
(2) The Social Security Act 19471 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.
Commencement
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Rate of unemployment and sickness benefit
3. (1) Section 112 of the Principal Act is amended by omitting from paragraph (1) (b) “$64.40” and substituting “$68.65”.
(2) The amendment made by sub-section (1) applies in relation to every instalment of an unemployment benefit that falls due on or after 1 May 1983.
NOTE
1. No. 26, 1947, as amended. For previous amendments, see Nos. 38 and 69. 1948; No. 16, 1949; Nos. 6 and 26, 1950; No. 22, 1951; Nos. 41 and 107, 1952; No. 51, 1953; No. 30, 1954; Nos. 15 and 38, 1955; Nos. 67 and 98, 1956; No. 46, 1957; No. 44. 1958; No. 57, 1959; No. 45, 1960; No. 45, 1961; Nos. 1 and 95, 1962; No. 46, 1963; Nos. 3 and 63. 1964; Nos. 57 and 152, 1965; No. 41, 1966; Nos. 10 and 61, 1967; No. 65, 1968; No. 94, 1969; Nos. 2 and 59, 1970; Nos. 16 and 67, 1971; Nos. 1, 14, 53 and 79, 1972; Nos. 1, 26, 48, 103 and 216, 1973; Nos. 2, 23 and 91, 1974; Nos. 34, 56, 101 and 110, 1975; Nos. 26. 62 and 111, 1976; No. 159, 1977; No. 128, 1978; No. 121, 1979 (as amended by Nos. 37 and 98, 1982); No. 130, 1980; No. 61, 1981; No. 159, 1981 (as amended by No. 98, 1982); No. 170, 1981; and Nos. 37, 98 and 148, 1982.
Overview
The Social Security Amendment Act 1983 was enacted to address issues related to unemployment benefits, particularly to ensure that the rate of unemployment benefits remained current with economic conditions. This Act was passed by the Queen, with the consent of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, on 27 April 1983, and it came into operation on the same day it received Royal Assent. The primary purpose of this legislation was to amend the Social Security Act 1947 by adjusting the rate of unemployment and sickness benefits, thereby providing more accurate financial support to those in need. This legislative change was designed to reflect the evolving economic environment and to ensure that the benefits provided remained adequate and relevant.
Scope and Application
The Social Security Amendment Act 1983 applies to the amendment of the Social Security Act 1947, particularly concerning the adjustment of the rate of unemployment and sickness benefits. The Act pertains to individuals who are recipients of unemployment benefits under the Principal Act. Its scope extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby affecting all states and territories within the country. The Act specifically amends the rate of unemployment benefit, increasing it from $64.40 to $68.65 per week, and this adjustment applies to every instalment of an unemployment benefit that becomes due on or after 1 May 1983. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in the Act itself; however, the application and further details may be subject to subordinate instruments or regulations that extend or clarify the application of these amendments.
Key Provisions
The Social Security Amendment Act 1983 amends the Social Security Act 1947 to adjust the rate of unemployment and sickness benefits. Specifically, Section 3 of the Act increases the weekly rate of unemployment and sickness benefit from $64.40 to $68.65. This change is intended to reflect adjustments in the cost of living and is applicable to all instalments of unemployment benefits due on or after 1 May 1983.
The Act imposes an obligation on the Department of Social Services to ensure that the new benefit rates are implemented correctly and promptly. This includes updating their systems and informing relevant stakeholders about the changes. Beneficiaries must also comply with the new rates by accurately reporting their income and circumstances to the Department, ensuring they receive the correct amount of benefits.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act may result in various consequences. For instance, if an individual fails to report their income accurately, they may be subject to an overpayment of benefits. This could lead to a requirement to repay the excess amount, with interest, and could also result in a financial penalty. Additionally, persistent or deliberate non-compliance could lead to criminal charges, with potential penalties including fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.
Furthermore, the Act also provides for the imposition of administrative penalties where there is evidence of intentional or reckless disregard of the provisions governing unemployment and sickness benefits. The maximum penalties for such offences include substantial fines, which could be significant for both individuals and entities that fail to comply with the requirements of the Act. These provisions are designed to ensure that the social security system is administered fairly and efficiently, and that benefits are paid to those who genuinely need them.