Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1901-2 and 1902-3

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1901–2 and 1902–3, enacted in 1903, was established to address the need for additional funding for various government projects and infrastructure works. This Act was introduced by the Parliament of Australia with the policy objective of ensuring that the government could meet its financial obligations for specified works and buildings across different states. The legislation authorised the Treasurer to issue sums from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to cover expenditures for the years ended 30th June 1902 and 30th June 1903, thereby facilitating the completion of critical infrastructure projects and government services.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1901–2 and 1902–3 applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and provides authority for the Treasurer to issue funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for specific appropriations related to works and buildings. The Act enables the allocation of £1,004 for the year ending 30 June 1902 and £2,635 for the year ending 30 June 1903. These funds are intended for various purposes, including the construction of a new boat harbour at Newcastle and the purchase of sites and machinery for printing offices, among other works. The Act also specifies that appropriations for the year ending 30 June 1903 can also be applied to the year ending 30 June 1902. This legislation does not explicitly outline exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but provides a clear directive for the application of specified funds for particular infrastructure projects across different states.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1901–2 and 1902–3, as referenced in section 1, primarily authorises the Treasurer to issue funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial years ending June 30, 1902, and June 30, 1903. Under section 2, £1,004 is designated for the year 1901–2, while under section 3, £2,635 is allocated for the year 1902–3. The First Schedule, covered in section 4, details the appropriation of these funds for specific purposes such as the construction of a new boat harbour at Newcastle. Section 5, through the Second Schedule, similarly allocates £2,635 for the year 1902–3 towards various additions, new works, and buildings, including machinery and plant for the printing office. Additionally, section 6 allows the appropriation for 1902–3 to also be used for 1901–2, providing flexibility in fund usage. The obligations imposed by the Act are primarily on the Treasurer, who is required to issue the specified amounts from the Consolidated Revenue Fund as authorised in sections 2 and 3. The Act also mandates that the funds be applied strictly according to the purposes outlined in the First and Second Schedules, as detailed in sections 4 and 5. Furthermore, section 6 stipulates that the appropriation for 1902–3 can also be utilised for 1901–2, indicating a need for compliance with this cross-year appropriation provision. As for the consequences of breaching the provisions of this Act, there are no explicit criminal or civil penalties mentioned in the text. However, any misuse of the appropriated funds could potentially lead to legal scrutiny or financial oversight, given the formal appropriation outlined in the schedules. The Act’s main focus appears to be on the proper allocation and application of the specified funds rather than on punitive measures for non-compliance.