States Grants (Special Financial Assistance)
No. 30 of 1970
An Act to provide for the payment of certain sums to the States by way of Special Financial Assistance.
[Assented to 20 June 1970]
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 Financial Assistance) Act 1970.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Payment of financial assistance.
3. There is payable to the States, during the year that commenced on the first day of July, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine, for the purpose of financial assistance, the sum of Thirteen million five hundred thousand dollars, of which—
(a) Twelve million dollars shall be apportioned amongst the States, including the State of Tasmania, in proportion to the amounts respectively payable to them during that year calculated in accordance with sub-sections (1.), (2.) and (3.) of section 5 of the States Grants Act 1965–1968; and
(b) One million five hundred thousand dollars shall be paid to the State of Tasmania.
Additional financial assistance.
4. In addition to the sums payable to the States under the last preceding section, there is payable, during the year referred to in that section, to each State, for the purpose of financial assistance, 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 4.
| $ |
New South Wales..................................... | 790,000 |
Victoria............................................ | 650,000 |
Queensland......................................... | 300,000 |
South Australia....................................... | 350,000 |
Western Australia..................................... | 230,000 |
Tasmania........................................... | 180,000 |
2,500,000 |
Overview
The States Grants (Special Financial Assistance) Act 1970 was enacted to address the financial disparities among the Australian states by providing additional financial assistance to ensure equitable resource distribution. This Act was assented to by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, demonstrating a collaborative legislative effort to support the states. The policy objective was to offer targeted financial support, particularly to the State of Tasmania, which received a specific allocation in addition to the amounts apportioned based on the States Grants Act 1965–1968. The Act aims to alleviate financial pressures and support the states in managing their respective budgets and public services effectively.
The financial assistance provided under this Act is appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, ensuring that the necessary funds are available for distribution as stipulated. This legislative measure was an essential response to the need for enhanced financial support to the states, thereby facilitating better resource allocation and addressing specific financial needs across different jurisdictions.
Scope and Application
The States Grants (Special Financial Assistance) Act 1970 applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and its states, specifically detailing the distribution of financial assistance to these states for the year commencing on 1 July 1969. The Act mandates the payment of thirteen million five hundred thousand dollars to the states, with twelve million dollars apportioned proportionally based on the criteria outlined in the States Grants Act 1965–1968 and an additional one million five hundred thousand dollars specifically for Tasmania. This financial assistance is intended to support state budgets and is disbursed from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Act also provides for additional sums specified in the schedule, which lists the individual allocations for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, totalling two million five hundred thousand dollars. The application of this Act is limited to the financial year mentioned and does not extend beyond it unless amended by further legislation.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of the States Grants (Special Financial Assistance) Act 1970 (C1970A00030) are sections 3 and 4. Section 3 requires the payment of a sum of Thirteen million five hundred thousand dollars to the states for the purpose of financial assistance. This amount includes Twelve million dollars to be apportioned amongst all states, including Tasmania, in proportion to the amounts calculated according to the States Grants Act 1965-1968, and One million five hundred thousand dollars specifically allocated to Tasmania. Section 4 further stipulates that each state, in addition to the amounts specified in Section 3, is to receive an additional sum detailed in the Schedule to this Act. These additional sums are also to be paid for the purpose of financial assistance.
The Act imposes specific financial obligations on the Commonwealth government. Under section 5, it is stipulated that the payments mandated by the Act must be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated accordingly. This places a responsibility on the Commonwealth to ensure that the necessary funds are available and properly allocated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to meet the payments outlined in sections 3 and 4.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Act does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties for failing to make the payments as required. However, given the nature of the Act and the statutory requirement for the Commonwealth to provide the specified financial assistance, any failure to comply with the obligations set out in the Act could potentially lead to legal challenges or disputes regarding the distribution of funds. Although the Act does not specify maximum penalties, any breaches could be subject to the general legal consequences of failing to meet statutory obligations, which may include legal action or financial redress by the affected states.