Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-17

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-1917 was enacted by the King's Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, on 11th June 1918. This Act was introduced to amend the appropriation out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the service of the year ended 30th June 1917, specifically for the purposes of additions, new works, buildings, and related activities. The legislative objective was to adjust the financial allocations for various infrastructure projects and naval works, ensuring that the necessary funds were available for ongoing and new projects. The Act sought to rectify any discrepancies in the initial appropriation by varying the sums and purposes as detailed in the schedule, thereby facilitating the execution of critical public works and infrastructure projects.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-1917 applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically focusing on the appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30 June 1917. This Act amends the original appropriations established by the Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-1917. The revised appropriations are detailed in the Schedule to this Act and are primarily allocated to the Department of Works and Railways and the Department of the Navy for various works and buildings. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. It is noteworthy that the application of this Act is limited to the financial year specified, and any subsequent amendments or appropriations would require additional legislation.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-1917 (sections 1 and 2) serves to amend the appropriations made by the Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-1917, specifically adjusting the sums allocated and the purposes for which they were designated. This Act ensures that the financial allocations are varied in accordance with the detailed schedule provided, thereby updating the budget for various works and buildings projects for the year ending 30 June 1917. This Act imposes certain obligations on the relevant departments, primarily the Department of Works and Railways and the Department of the Navy. These departments must ensure that the funds are utilised strictly in accordance with the updated appropriations listed in the schedule. This includes adherence to the specific allocations for projects such as the construction of siding and trucking yards in the Northern Territory, the refurbishment of post office buildings in Victoria, and the expansion of naval bases and dockyards. The Act does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or specific consequences for breaches of its provisions. However, as a statutory amendment to an appropriation act, any misuse of funds or deviation from the approved purposes would typically be subject to the general financial oversight and auditing processes of the Commonwealth. Breaches of appropriation acts generally fall under the purview of financial misconduct, which can lead to administrative penalties, financial redress, or further legislative action as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities. In summary, the Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1916-1917 modifies the financial allocations for specific works and buildings projects under the control of the Department of Works and Railways and the Department of the Navy. It mandates strict adherence to the updated appropriations, ensuring that funds are used for their designated purposes, with potential repercussions for any misuse or non-compliance with the Act.