Stevedoring Industry Charge Act 1947

Overview

The Stevedoring Industry Charge Act 1947 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament to address the need for a specific financial contribution from the stevedoring industry to support the welfare and training of waterside workers. The legislation introduces a charge imposed on employers for every man-hour of employment of waterside workers, aiming to ensure that the industry contributes to the costs associated with the welfare and training of its workforce. This Act was designed to provide a stable financial basis for the welfare and training schemes of waterside workers, reflecting the industry's significant economic activity and its impact on the workforce. The charge is intended to be borne by the employer, ensuring that the industry itself funds these necessary provisions.

Scope and Application

The Stevedoring Industry Charge Act 1947 imposes a financial charge on employers in the stevedoring industry for the employment of waterside workers. This Act applies to any employer within the scope of the stevedoring industry who engages waterside workers, meaning that it encompasses all employers who participate in the loading, unloading, and handling of goods at ports. The charge is levied on the basis of man-hours of employment, with a specified rate of four and one-half pence per man-hour. The geographic reach of this Act is national, as it is a Commonwealth Act. The Stevedoring Industry Charge Assessment Act 1947 is incorporated into this Act, thereby forming a single legislative framework governing the assessment and collection of the charge. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within its primary text, although it is possible that subordinate instruments may further define the application or administration of the charge.

Key Provisions

The Stevedoring Industry Charge Act 1947 (section 4) imposes a charge on employers for the employment of waterside workers following the Act's commencement. The rate of this charge is specified as four and a half pence per man-hour of employment (section 5). The employer of the waterside workers is liable for paying this charge (section 6). This legislative framework sets out the financial responsibility of employers for the services of their waterside workers. The Act imposes specific obligations on employers who engage waterside workers. These employers must ensure that the Stevedoring Industry Charge is calculated accurately and paid in accordance with the Act's provisions. This involves keeping precise records of the number of man-hours worked by each waterside employee and applying the stipulated rate of charge (section 5). By doing so, employers meet their legal requirements under the Act. Breach of the obligations set out in the Stevedoring Industry Charge Act 1947 may result in both civil and criminal consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that failure to comply with the charge requirements could lead to legal action. Typically, such breaches might result in fines or other penalties as prescribed by relevant legislation or court rulings. Employers must, therefore, adhere strictly to the Act's provisions to avoid any potential repercussions.