States Grants (Schools Assistance)
Amendment Act 1992
No. 76 of 1992
An Act to amend the States Grants (Schools Assistance) Act 1988
[Assented to 26 June 1992]
The Parliament of Australia enacts:
Short title etc.
1.(1) This Act may be cited as the States Grants (Schools Assistance) Amendment Act 1992.
(2) In this Act, “Principal Act” means the States Grants (Schools Assistance) Act 19881.
Commencement
2. This Act commences on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Repeal of Schedule and substitution of new Schedule
3. Schedule 6 to the Principal Act is repealed and the Schedule set out in the Schedule to this Act is substituted.
SCHEDULE Section 3
“SCHEDULE 6 Section 21
NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AND CENTRES—CAPITAL PROJECTS |
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |
Year | General projects | Capital projects for children with disabilities | Projects assisting retention |
| $ | $ | $ |
1989............ | 59,456,000 | 2,776,000 | |
1990............ | 64,578,000 | 3,564,000 | |
1991............ | 68,149,000 | | 11,339,000 |
1992............ | 83,584,000 | | 11,412,000” |
NOTE
1. No. 1, 1989, as amended. For previous amendments, see Nos. 79, 159 and 169, 1989; and Nos. 1 and 178, 1991.
[Minister’s second reading speech made in—
House of Representatives on 30 April 1992
Senate on 27 May 1992]
Overview
The States Grants (Schools Assistance) Amendment Act 1992 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to amend the existing States Grants (Schools Assistance) Act 1988. This legislation aimed to address gaps in the funding allocation for schools, particularly focusing on the capital projects for non-government schools and centres, including those for children with disabilities and projects assisting retention. By repealing and substituting Schedule 6 of the Principal Act, this amendment sought to provide updated and more targeted funding to support these essential educational initiatives.
The policy objective behind the amendment was to ensure that the financial assistance provided under the Act met the evolving needs of schools, particularly in the areas of capital projects, thereby enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of education in Australia. The Act came into force immediately upon receiving Royal Assent, reflecting the urgency and importance placed on improving educational infrastructure and support systems.
Scope and Application
The States Grants (Schools Assistance) Amendment Act 1992 applies to the provisions and allocations set out in the original States Grants (Schools Assistance) Act 1988, specifically focusing on financial assistance directed towards non-government schools and centres. The Act amends the Principal Act by repealing Schedule 6 and substituting it with a new Schedule, which adjusts the funding allocations for general projects, capital projects for children with disabilities, and projects assisting retention. The geographic reach of this Act is national, as it pertains to the distribution of Commonwealth funds to schools across Australia, thus impacting the educational sector on a federal level. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions stated in the Act itself, but it should be noted that the scope of the amendments is confined to the financial allocations outlined in the substituted Schedule. The Act may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which would specify additional conditions or guidelines for the implementation of these financial provisions.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the States Grants (Schools Assistance) Amendment Act 1992 (Sections 1 and 3) establish the short title of the Act and provide for the repeal of Schedule 6 to the Principal Act, the States Grants (Schools Assistance) Act 1988, and its replacement with a new schedule. This new schedule (Section 3) includes financial allocations for general projects, capital projects for children with disabilities, and projects assisting retention, as outlined in the table within the schedule. These allocations are specified for the years 1989 to 1992, demonstrating the intended financial support for various school-related initiatives.
The Act imposes specific financial obligations and requirements on the Commonwealth government, as outlined in the substituted Schedule. The government must allocate funds to non-government schools and centres for general projects, capital projects for children with disabilities, and projects assisting retention. The amounts specified for each category and year are to be provided to ensure the support and development of these educational initiatives. The obligation extends to ensuring that these funds are distributed according to the allocations listed in the new schedule, thereby supporting the educational infrastructure and programs within non-government schools.
Breaches of the obligations and requirements set forth in the Act may lead to various consequences. While the Act itself does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, failure to allocate the specified funds as required could potentially result in legal challenges or administrative actions. The repercussions might include financial audits, investigations, and possible adjustments in future funding allocations. It is important for the Commonwealth to adhere strictly to the financial obligations outlined to maintain the integrity of the educational support system provided under this Act.