States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1971

Overview

The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1971 was enacted to address financial disparities among Australian states by providing specific grants to South Australia and Tasmania. Assented to on 13 December 1971, the Act was passed by the Queen, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. It aims to alleviate the financial strain on these states by providing direct financial assistance. Under this Act, the sum of Seven million dollars was designated for South Australia, and Seven million eight hundred thousand dollars for Tasmania, to be paid during the year commencing 1 July 1971. Furthermore, the Act allows for the Treasurer to make interim advances during the six months starting on 1 July 1972, not exceeding half of the amounts specified for each state. These payments are to be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, ensuring that the necessary funds are appropriated for this purpose.

Scope and Application

The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1971 applies to the specific entities of the States of South Australia and Tasmania, providing them with financial assistance in the form of grants for the year commencing on 1 July 1971. The Act specifies the precise amounts to be paid, with South Australia receiving Seven million dollars and Tasmania receiving Seven million eight hundred thousand dollars. The Act further provides for the Treasurer to make advances for the year 1972–73, up to one-half of the previously mentioned amounts, within a six-month period starting 1 July 1972. The payments under this Act are to be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated accordingly. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds explicitly stated in the Act, and no subordinate instruments are mentioned that would extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The States Grants (Special Assistance) Act 1971 (section 3) primarily outlines the financial assistance to be provided to the states of South Australia and Tasmania. Specifically, the Act mandates the payment of Seven million dollars to South Australia and Seven million eight hundred thousand dollars to Tasmania for the fiscal year starting on the first of July, 1971. This financial assistance is intended to support these states in various capacities, providing them with necessary funds to address specific needs or initiatives during that financial year. Section 4 further extends this support by allowing the Treasurer to make advances to either state, up to half the amount specified for each, within six months from the start of the fiscal year 1972–73. The Act imposes several obligations on the relevant parties, primarily the Treasurer and the respective state governments. Under section 3, the Treasurer is responsible for ensuring that the specified financial assistance is paid to South Australia and Tasmania. This involves meticulous accounting and timely disbursement from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, as appropriated in section 5. Additionally, the Treasurer must monitor and potentially adjust payments in accordance with section 4, ensuring that advances are made correctly and within the stipulated timeframe. In terms of enforcement and consequences for non-compliance, the Act does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties within its text. However, failure to adhere to the stipulated financial obligations could result in legal ramifications, including potential financial penalties or legal action, depending on the jurisdiction's broader legal framework. The Act's focus appears to be on clear, straightforward financial support rather than punitive measures, aiming to facilitate effective state assistance.