States Grants (Special Assistance)
No. 98 of 1967
An Act to grant Financial Assistance to the States of Western Australia and Tasmania.
[Assented to 9 November 1967]
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 1967.
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-seven, 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 4 of the States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1966.
Advances for year 1968–69.
4. The Treasurer may, during the period of six months commencing on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight, 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....................................... | 15,518,000 |
Tasmania............................................ | 19,889,000 |
| 35,407,000 |
Overview
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1967 was enacted to address a financial shortfall experienced by the states of Western Australia and Tasmania, necessitating additional federal support to maintain public services and economic stability. This legislation was introduced to provide targeted financial assistance to these states during a period of economic challenge, ensuring that they could continue to deliver essential services to their populations. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, with the objective of providing specific financial support to alleviate the immediate economic pressures faced by these states.
The Act outlines the grant amounts to be provided to Western Australia and Tasmania, with provisions for payments during the fiscal year starting on 1 July 1967 and potential advances for the subsequent fiscal year, 1968-69. The financial assistance is to be drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, with the total amount specified in the accompanying schedule. This legislation represents a direct response to the identified need for special financial assistance, ensuring that the states could meet their budgetary requirements without compromising public service delivery.
Scope and Application
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1967 applies to the states of Western Australia and Tasmania, providing financial assistance to these states for a specific purpose and period. The Act is limited in its application to these two states, as identified in the attached schedule, which specifies the financial amounts allocated for their respective assistance. The Act came into effect upon receiving Royal Assent, and the financial assistance is to be paid during the fiscal year starting on the first day of July 1967. Additionally, the Act allows for advances to be made to these states during the six-month period starting on the first day of July 1968, up to a specified amount. The Act's jurisdiction is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, and the payments made under this Act are appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and is limited to the financial assistance outlined in the schedule and the provisions for advances.
Key Provisions
The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1967 (C1967A00098) primarily focuses on providing financial assistance to two states, Western Australia and Tasmania. Section 3 of the Act specifies that during the year commencing on the first day of July 1967, a specified amount of financial assistance is payable to each of these states, as outlined in the Schedule attached to the Act. For the year in question, Western Australia is to receive $15,518,000 and Tasmania $19,889,000, totalling $35,407,000.
The Act imposes certain obligations on the Commonwealth Treasurer, who is tasked with making these payments. Section 4 allows the Treasurer to make advances to either state during the six-month period beginning on the first day of July 1968, but only up to half the amount specified for that state in the Schedule. This advance is also intended to provide financial assistance. Section 5 ensures that all payments made under this Act are to be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated for this purpose.
Breach of the provisions within this Act does not specifically outline particular offences, penalties, or consequences. However, the Act’s primary focus is on the transparent and timely distribution of financial assistance as specified. Any failure to comply with the appropriations or the conditions of payment could potentially lead to financial mismanagement or non-fulfillment of the Act’s purpose, although the Act itself does not detail specific civil or criminal penalties for such breaches.