Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1922-23

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1922-23 was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to address the need for additional funds for public works and infrastructure during the financial year ending 30 June 1923. The Act appropriates a sum of £28,128 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purposes of additions, new works, and buildings, as specified in the Schedule to the Act. This appropriation is intended to support various government departments in their respective infrastructure projects, ensuring the continuation and expansion of essential services and facilities across the nation.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1922-23 is an Australian Commonwealth Act that pertains to the appropriation of funds for various works and buildings across multiple government departments for the financial year ending 30 June 1923. The Act provides for the allocation of £28,128 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for specific projects, including the establishment of a wireless station on Willis Island under the Home and Territories Department, construction of a meteorological bureau in Sydney, the construction of a fleet under the Department of Defence, and the purchase of properties for post and telegraph purposes under the Postmaster-General's Department. The Act applies to these specified departments and projects as outlined in the Schedule of the Act. While the Act itself does not specify exclusions or exemptions, it is noted that the appropriation is limited to the particular works and buildings detailed within the Act, and no other purposes or expenditures are covered by this legislation. The geographic reach of the Act is national, as it involves multiple departments and projects across different states and territories within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1922-23 (section 2) appropriates £28,128 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30 June 1923. This appropriation is allocated to various departments and projects, primarily focusing on additions, new works, and buildings, as outlined in the attached schedule (section 2). The Home and Territories Department is allocated £2,318 for projects including the establishment of a wireless station on Willis Island (Schedule, Home and Territories Department). The Department of Defence receives £10,544 for naval works, including the construction of a fleet, and for military purposes (Schedule, Department of Defence). The Postmaster-General’s Department is allocated £15,266 for land purchases and post office buildings, including the Brunswick Post Office in Victoria and alterations to the Melrose Post Office in South Australia (Schedule, Postmaster-General’s Department). The Act imposes obligations on the departments to ensure that the appropriated funds are used strictly for the purposes specified in the schedule. The Home and Territories Department must establish the wireless station on Willis Island, the Department of Defence must proceed with the construction of the fleet and related military works, and the Postmaster-General’s Department must complete the land purchases and post office alterations as outlined. Each department must adhere to the budgetary constraints and project timelines set out in the schedule. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act may result in financial and administrative consequences. The Act does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches. However, non-compliance could lead to scrutiny from the relevant parliamentary committees and potential audits by the Commonwealth Auditor-General. These could result in public accountability issues and financial mismanagement claims, although specific penalties are not outlined in the Act itself.