STATES GRANTS (SPECIAL ASSISTANCE).
No. 77 of 1959.
An Act to grant Financial Assistance to the States of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
[Assented to 1st December, 1959.]
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 (Special Assistance) Act 1959.
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 that commenced on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine, 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 1958.
Advances for year 1960-61.
4. The Treasurer may, during the period of six months commencing on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and sixty, make advances to the State of Western Australia or the State of Tasmania, for the purpose of financial assistance, of amounts not exceeding in the whole a sum equal to one-half of the amount specified in the Schedule to this Act 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 Section 3.
| £ |
South Australia....................................... | 399,000 |
Western Australia..................................... | 3,500,000 |
Tasmania........................................... | 3,400,000 |
| 7,299,000 |
Overview
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1959 was enacted to provide financial assistance to the states of South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. This legislation was introduced to address a specific economic need by providing targeted financial support to these states during the fiscal year starting 1 July 1959. Enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, the policy objective of this Act was to appropriate a grant to alleviate certain economic pressures faced by these states. The Act outlines the provision of financial assistance payments and allows for advances to Western Australia and Tasmania for the year 1960-61, facilitating economic stability and support within the specified states.
Scope and Application
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1959 applies specifically to the financial assistance provided to the States of South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. It is enacted to allocate specific grants during the fiscal year commencing 1 July 1959, as well as to authorise advances for the fiscal year 1960-61 to Western Australia and Tasmania. The geographic reach of this Act is limited to the Commonwealth level, applying to the aforementioned states within Australia. The Act provides for payments to be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, ensuring that the financial assistance is sourced appropriately. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the Act itself, though the ability to make advances is limited to a sum not exceeding half of the specified grant for each state. The application of the Act may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments, although the primary scope and purpose remain as specified within the Act.
Key Provisions
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1959 (sections 1-7) provides a legislative framework for the allocation and payment of financial assistance to the states of South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The act outlines the specific amounts to be granted to each state (section 3) and allows for the Treasurer to make advances to Western Australia and Tasmania for the financial year 1960-61 (section 4). The payments are to be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated accordingly (section 5). The act specifies that the financial assistance is payable for the year commencing on the first day of July 1959, with the amounts specified in the schedule opposite the name of each state (section 3).
Under this act, the Commonwealth is required to provide the specified financial assistance to the states as outlined in the schedule. For South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, the amounts specified are £399,000, £3,500,000, and £3,400,000 respectively. Additionally, the Treasurer is permitted to make advances to Western Australia and Tasmania, not exceeding one-half of the amounts specified for those states, during the six-month period commencing on the first day of July 1960 (section 4). These obligations are to be fulfilled from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, as appropriated (section 5).
The act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, the failure to comply with the terms of the act, including the timely payment of the specified financial assistance or the unauthorised disbursement of funds, could potentially result in legal repercussions. While the act does not specify particular penalties, breaches of statutory obligations under Australian law can lead to civil or criminal consequences depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Civil penalties could include fines or the requirement to rectify the breach, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment or fines, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific nature of the breach. The maximum penalties would be determined by the relevant courts and according to the applicable laws at the time of any breach.