Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1958

Overview

The Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1958 was enacted to amend the original Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1956, thereby addressing issues in the coordination and regulation of statistical activities between the Commonwealth and the states. This legislative amendment was introduced by the Australian Parliament, aiming to refine the arrangements for the collection and dissemination of statistical data to ensure more effective and streamlined processes across different governmental levels. The Act specifically omits subsection (2) of section fourteen of the 1956 Act, targeting the adjustment of employment terms for state employees involved in statistical work, while clarifying that the changes do not affect those who had already ceased their employment with the Commonwealth before the Act's effective date.

Scope and Application

The Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1958, which amends the Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1956, applies to arrangements between the Commonwealth and states in relation to statistical data. The Act is concerned with the operations of the Commonwealth Statistician and the exchange of statistical information with state authorities. It applies to entities involved in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data, particularly within the public service of the Commonwealth and state governments. Geographically, the Act's reach extends to the Commonwealth and the states of Australia, but it does not specify application to territories. The Act excludes certain state employees who ceased employment before its effective date of 30 April 1958 from its purview. The scope of the Act may be further extended or defined through subordinate instruments, which can provide additional detail or clarification to the legislation’s provisions.

Key Provisions

The Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1958 amends the Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1956 by making specific changes to the legislation, particularly with regard to the furlough provisions. Section 3 of the 1958 Act removes subsection (2) of section fourteen from the 1956 Act. This change means that certain furlough conditions or limitations previously imposed on state employees engaged under the 1956 Act are no longer applicable. The act comes into operation on 30 April 1958, as stated in section 2, and it is important to note that the amendment does not apply to state employees who were appointed or engaged under the 1956 Act and ceased to be employed in the Public Service of the Commonwealth before this date, as outlined in section 4. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties involved. Firstly, it places an obligation on state employees engaged under the amended Act to comply with the new provisions regarding furlough. These employees must now operate under the amended conditions, which no longer include the furlough restrictions previously stipulated in subsection (2) of section fourteen of the 1956 Act. Furthermore, the Act imposes a requirement on the Commonwealth and the states to ensure that the arrangements for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical information are conducted in a manner that aligns with the amended provisions. This includes ensuring that state employees, who are now subject to the changes, are appropriately informed and trained to carry out their duties under the new framework. In terms of consequences for breach, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with its provisions. However, the failure to adhere to the amended furlough conditions or any other obligations imposed by the Act could potentially lead to disputes or legal challenges between the Commonwealth and the states, or between employers and employees. It is essential for all parties to ensure compliance to avoid any potential legal issues that may arise from misinterpretation or non-compliance with the Act's requirements. As such, it is advisable for all involved to carefully review the amended provisions and ensure that their actions are in line with the updated legislation.