Statistics Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1947, specifically Statutory Rules 1947 No. 126, detail amendments made to the Statistics Regulations under the Census and Statistics Act 1905-1946. Enacted by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these amendments aim to streamline the regulatory framework for collecting and managing statistical data relating to factories, mines, and productive industries in Australia. The objective of these amendments is to enhance the efficiency and relevance of the data collection process, ensuring it meets contemporary needs by updating the forms and schedules involved, and allowing for more flexible and targeted information gathering approved by the Minister. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment to improving the accuracy and utility of statistical data, which is critical for informed policy-making and economic planning.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Census and Statistics Act 1905-1946 apply to entities involved in factories, mines, and other productive industries within the Commonwealth of Australia. These Regulations mandate that specific information must be supplied by these entities to ensure accurate census and statistical data. The Regulations are designed to streamline and modernise the forms and information required, as evidenced by the amendments to Regulation 4 and Regulation 21a. The adjustments involve the removal of outdated references and the incorporation of information approved by the Minister, enhancing the flexibility and relevance of the data collection process. Additionally, the consolidation of the Schedules into a single document simplifies the regulatory framework, facilitating compliance. The scope of these Regulations is nationwide, extending across all states and territories within Australia. However, the Regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, meaning that the requirements apply broadly to the specified industries unless otherwise stipulated in subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations pertain to amendments of the existing Statistics Regulations under the Census and Statistics Act 1905-1946. Regulation 4 is amended by removing the word "First" from its title, streamlining the terminology (Section 1). Additionally, Regulation 21a is revised by removing specific references to a Second Schedule and instead requiring information to be supplied as approved by the Minister (Section 2). Furthermore, the Schedules to the Statistics Regulations are amended by consolidating them into a single Schedule and omitting the previously referenced Second Schedule (Section 3). These regulations impose obligations on various parties involved in the collection and reporting of statistical data. Specifically, entities such as factories, mines, and other productive industries are now required to supply information that has been approved by the Minister, rather than adhering to a predefined set of questions found in the Second Schedule (Section 2). This change in requirement implies that the Minister has the discretion to determine the specific information needed, which may vary depending on the context and the needs of the statistics collection. Breaches of these regulations can result in various civil or criminal consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed within the provided text. Generally, non-compliance with census and statistics regulations can lead to legal action, fines, or other penalties as stipulated by the relevant acts and regulations. Given the historical context, it is plausible that penalties could include fines or other administrative actions, reflecting the importance of accurate and reliable statistical data for national planning and policy-making.