STATES GRANTS.
No. 66 of 1958.
An Act to grant Financial Assistance to the States of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
[Assented to 8th October, 1958.]
BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, for the purpose of appropriating the grant originated in the House of Representatives, as follows:—
Short title.
1. This Act may be cited as the States Grants Act 1958.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Payment of financial assistance to States.
3. There is payable, during the year which commenced on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight, to a State specified in the Schedule to this Act, for the purpose of financial assistance, the amount specified in that Schedule opposite to the name of that State less any amounts paid to that State in pursuance of section four of the States Grants Act 1957.
Advances for year 1959-60.
4. The Treasurer may, during the period of six months commencing on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine, make advances to a State specified in the Schedule to this Act, for the purpose of financial assistance, of amounts not exceeding in the whole a sum equal to one-half of the amount specified in that Schedule opposite to the name of that State.
Appropriation.
5. Payments in accordance with this Act shall be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated accordingly.
THE SCHEDULE. Sections 3 and 4.
——
| £ |
South Australia...................... | 5,250,000 |
Western Australia.................... | 11,100,000 |
Tasmania.......................... | 4,400,000 |
| 20,750,000 |
Overview
The States Grants Act 1958 was enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia to provide financial assistance to the States of South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The Act was assented to on 8th October 1958 and came into operation on the same day. It was designed to address the financial needs of these states by allocating specific sums of money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Act appropriates a total of £20,750,000 for the specified states, with payments to be made during the financial year beginning 1 July 1958, and potential advances for the financial year 1959-60 not exceeding half the specified amounts. The policy objective underpinning this Act is to ensure that the designated states receive the necessary financial support to help meet their budgetary requirements and facilitate their economic and infrastructural development.
Scope and Application
The States Grants Act 1958 applies to the specified states of South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, providing financial assistance to these states from the Commonwealth Government. The Act is applicable to the states named in the Schedule, which outlines the specific amounts designated for each state, namely South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The financial assistance is to be used for general state purposes and is disbursed during the fiscal year starting on July 1, 1958. Additionally, the Act allows for advances, not exceeding half of the specified amount, to be made to these states for the financial year commencing July 1, 1959, within a six-month period starting on that date. The payments under this Act are to be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated for this purpose. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia. The scope of the Act is limited to the provision of financial assistance as specified and does not extend to other forms of aid or support.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the States Grants Act 1958 include the provision of financial assistance to specific states, outlined in sections 3 and 4. Section 3 mandates the payment of a specified amount to South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania for the fiscal year starting on 1 July 1958. This amount is to be less any sums already paid under a previous act, the States Grants Act 1957. Section 4 allows the Treasurer to make advances to these states, up to half the amount specified for 1958-59, during a six-month period starting on 1 July 1959. The total sums specified in the Schedule are allocated as follows: South Australia, £5,250,000; Western Australia, £11,100,000; and Tasmania, £4,400,000, summing to £20,750,000.
The Act imposes specific obligations on the Treasurer regarding the payment of financial assistance to the designated states. Under section 3, the Treasurer must ensure that the financial assistance is disbursed to South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania within the fiscal year commencing on 1 July 1958, and must deduct any amounts previously paid under the States Grants Act 1957. Section 4 mandates that the Treasurer may provide advances to these states, not exceeding half the specified amount for the subsequent year, during the six-month period starting on 1 July 1959. Additionally, section 5 appropriates the payments made under this Act from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The Act does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches. However, the failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in sections 3 and 4 could potentially lead to legal or financial repercussions. Given the formal and legislative nature of the Act, non-compliance might be viewed seriously, leading to potential enforcement actions or judicial review to ensure adherence to the stipulated provisions. While specific penalties are not stated within the Act, the importance of timely and accurate financial assistance payments suggests that any breaches could attract significant scrutiny and consequences.