States Grants (Special Assistance)
No. 89 of 1965
An Act to Grant Financial Assistance to the States of Western Australia and Tasmania.
[Assented to 4 December, 1965]
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 (Special Assistance) Act 1965.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Payment of financial assistance to Western Australia and Tasmania.
3. There is payable, during the year that commenced on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-five, 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 (Special Assistance) Act 1964.
Advances for year 1966-67.
4. The Treasurer may, during the period of six months commencing on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-six, 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.
——
| £ |
Western Australia............................................ | 12,019,000 |
Tasmania.................................................. | 8,866,000 |
| 20,885,000 |
Overview
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1965 was enacted by the Australian Parliament to address the financial needs of the states of Western Australia and Tasmania. This Act was designed to provide financial assistance to these states, reflecting a policy objective to support states facing economic challenges. The Act authorises the payment of specified amounts to Western Australia and Tasmania from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, aiming to provide relief and support to these states during a particular financial year. The legislation also allows for advances to be made to these states in the subsequent financial year, up to a certain limit, to further aid their economic stability.
By providing this financial assistance, the Act seeks to alleviate the economic burdens faced by Western Australia and Tasmania, ensuring they have the necessary resources to maintain public services and economic activities. The Act's straightforward approach, specifying exact amounts and allowing for advances, underscores the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting state economies within the broader national framework.
Scope and Application
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1965 applies to the States of Western Australia and Tasmania, providing financial assistance to these states for a specific year. The Act facilitates the payment of specified sums of money to Western Australia and Tasmania from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purpose of financial assistance. The assistance is detailed in the schedule attached to the Act, with Western Australia receiving £12,019,000 and Tasmania receiving £8,866,000, totalling £20,885,000. The Act allows for advances to be made to these states during a six-month period commencing on July 1, 1966, up to one-half of the amounts specified in the schedule. This Act is limited to the financial year starting July 1, 1965, and any payments made under this Act are governed by the appropriations made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of the States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1965, as seen in sections 3 and 4, detail the financial assistance to be provided to the States of Western Australia and Tasmania. Section 3 specifies that there is payable, during the year commencing 1 July 1965, a financial assistance amount to each state listed in the Schedule to this Act, less any amounts already paid to those states under the States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1964. This section provides the financial framework for the assistance granted to the states. Section 4, on the other hand, allows the Treasurer to make advances to Western Australia or Tasmania for the financial assistance purpose, during the six-month period starting 1 July 1966, up to a sum not exceeding one-half of the amount specified in the Schedule opposite the name of each state.
The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties it governs. The most significant of these is the obligation on the Treasurer, as outlined in section 4, to ensure that any advances made to the states are strictly within the limits specified, that is, not exceeding one-half of the amounts specified in the Schedule for the respective states. Moreover, section 5 mandates that payments under this Act are to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, thus ensuring that the financial assistance is appropriately sourced and accounted for within the national budget framework.
In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Act does not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. However, failure to adhere to the financial limits set for the advances or to appropriately allocate funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund could result in financial mismanagement and potential legal ramifications under broader legislative frameworks governing public funds and budget allocations. The consequences would likely involve scrutiny from the relevant parliamentary committees and possibly further legislative or administrative action to rectify any breaches.