Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Act 1977

Overview

The Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Act 1977 is a legislative amendment that extends the operation of the original Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Act 1967. Enacted by the Queen, with the assent of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, this Act aims to address the temporal limitations of the original legislation, which was set to expire on 1 July 1977. By amending the original Act, this legislation ensures that the special provisions governing the stevedoring industry would remain in effect until 1 January 1978, providing continued regulatory oversight during a transitional period. The policy objective is to maintain stability and continuity within the stevedoring sector during a critical phase, thereby protecting both industry stakeholders and public interests.

Scope and Application

The Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Act 1977 applies to the stevedoring industry within the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically amending the Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Act 1967. The Act extends its application to entities and individuals engaged in stevedoring activities, which encompass the loading, unloading, and handling of goods at ports. This legislation is focused on regulating and providing temporary provisions for the stevedoring industry, thus affecting its operation and the associated labour relations within the industry. The Act's geographic reach is confined to the national territory of Australia, as it is a Commonwealth Act. The amendment primarily extends the operational period of the original Act, ensuring that the provisions remain in effect beyond the initially set date of 1 July 1977 to 1 January 1978. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions within its text, nor does it mention any thresholds. Any further details or specific regulations that may extend or restrict the application of this Act would typically be found in subordinate instruments or regulations made under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Act 1977 (sections 1-3) primarily amends the Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Act 1967 by altering the date of cessation for the operation of the Act. The original Act was set to cease on 1 July 1977, but this amendment extends that date to 1 January 1978 (section 3). This change ensures that the provisions and temporary measures outlined in the 1967 Act remain in effect for an additional six months, allowing for further oversight and regulation within the stevedoring industry during this period. Under the amended Act, the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties and entities governed by the original Act remain unchanged. This includes any duties, responsibilities, and standards set forth in the 1967 Act, which continue to apply until the extended cessation date. The key focus of this amendment is to extend the timeframe for these provisions, rather than introducing new obligations or altering existing ones. In terms of legal consequences, the original Stevedoring Industry (Temporary Provisions) Act 1967 contained provisions for offences and penalties associated with breaches of its requirements. While the amendment itself does not introduce new offences or penalties, the extended operation of the Act means that any existing provisions concerning breaches and associated sanctions remain in effect until 1 January 1978. This includes any civil or criminal penalties that could be imposed for non-compliance with the Act’s provisions. The specific penalties for breaches would be detailed in the original 1967 Act and would continue to apply under the extended timeframe set by this amendment.