States Grants (Science Laboratories)
No. 12 of 1968
An Act to grant Financial Assistance to the States for Science Laboratories and Equipment in Schools.
[Assented to 15 May 1968]
[Date of commencement, 12 June 1968]
BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—
Short title.
1. This Act may be cited as the States Grants (Science Laboratories) Act 1968.
Definitions.
2. In this Act—
“school” means a school or a similar institution, whether conducted by a State or not;
“the period to which this Act applies” means the period commencing on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight, and ending on the thirtieth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and seventy-one.
Grants for science laboratories and equipment.
3.—(1.) The Minister may authorize the payment to a State, under this Act, during the period to which this Act applies, by way of financial assistance, of such amounts as, subject to the next succeeding sub-section, he determines.
(2.) The Minister shall not authorize payments to a State under the last preceding sub-section that—
(a) exceed, in the aggregate, the amount specified in the Schedule to this Act opposite to the name of the State;
(b) in the case of payments authorized on or before the thirtieth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine—exceed, in the aggregate, one-third of that amount; or
(c) in the case of payments authorized on or before the thirtieth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and seventy—exceed, in the aggregate, two-thirds of that amount.
(3.) Payment of an amount to a State under this Act is subject to the condition that the amount will be applied by the State, as approved by the Minister, for purposes in connexion with laboratories and equipment for use in the teaching of science in schools at the secondary level of education.
Appropriation.
4. Payments under this Act shall be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated accordingly.
THE SCHEDULE Section 3(2.).
——
Limit of Grants
| $ |
New South Wales........................ | 13,988,400 |
Victoria.............................. | 10,637,100 |
Queensland............................ | 5,496,900 |
South Australia......................... | 3,607,500 |
Western Australia....................... | 2,764,200 |
Tasmania............................. | 1,227,300 |
| 37,721,400 |
Overview
The States Grants (Science Laboratories) Act 1968 was enacted to address the need for improved science education infrastructure in secondary schools across Australia. This legislation, assented to on 15 May 1968 and commenced on 12 June 1968, was passed by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act aimed to provide financial assistance to the states for the establishment and equipping of science laboratories in schools, thereby enhancing the quality of science education at the secondary level. Payments under this Act are to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund and are subject to specific conditions, including limits on the aggregate amounts that can be paid to each state over the designated period.
Scope and Application
The States Grants (Science Laboratories) Act 1968 applies to the allocation of financial assistance from the Commonwealth government to the various states within Australia, specifically for the purposes of establishing or improving science laboratories and equipping them in secondary schools. This Act applies to the states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, as delineated in the attached Schedule, which specifies the maximum amount of funding each state can receive during the period from July 1, 1968, to June 30, 1971. The funds must be applied for secondary school science laboratories and equipment as approved by the Minister. The Act also stipulates that the payments made under this Act are subject to certain limits: no more than one-third of the total amount can be authorised by June 30, 1969, and no more than two-thirds by June 30, 1970, with the remaining balance authorised by June 30, 1971. These payments are made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated for this purpose under the Act.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the States Grants (Science Laboratories) Act 1968 (section 3) empower the Minister to authorise payments to the States as financial assistance for science laboratories and equipment in schools. The payments can be made during the specified period, beginning 1 July 1968 and ending 30 June 1971. However, there are constraints on the total amount that can be paid to each State (section 3(2)), ensuring the funds do not exceed the amounts specified in the Schedule. For example, New South Wales is allocated $13,988,400, while Tasmania is allocated $1,227,300. Moreover, the payments must adhere to a phased approach, with one-third of the total amount authorised by 30 June 1969, and two-thirds by 30 June 1970. Importantly, these funds are strictly to be applied for laboratories and equipment used in secondary science education (section 3(3)).
The Act imposes clear obligations on the parties it governs. The Minister must ensure that any payments made to the States comply with the specified limits and are used for the approved purposes. Each State must apply the allocated funds in accordance with the Act, focusing on the establishment or improvement of science laboratories and equipment in secondary schools. The Minister retains the authority to approve the specific application of these funds, ensuring they meet the legislative intent and educational needs.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can result in civil or criminal consequences. While the Act does not explicitly outline penalties, breaches of statutory conditions attached to payments can lead to legal actions. For instance, misuse of funds or non-compliance with the approved application of grants might be subject to penalties as prescribed by other relevant legislation or determined by a court of law. The absence of specific penalties in the Act itself does not diminish the importance of adhering to the terms and conditions set forth, as any breach could still attract legal scrutiny and consequences.