Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1923-24

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1923-24 was enacted to address the need for additional funding beyond what was initially appropriated for the fiscal year ending 30 June 1924. This Act was assented to on 20 October 1924 by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. It authorised the Treasurer to issue and apply a sum of £64,526.2 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for specific purposes outlined in the Act and its schedule, including additions, new works, and buildings across various departments such as the Prime Minister’s Department, the Home and Territories Department, the Department of Defence, and the Postmaster-General’s Department. The primary policy objective of this Act was to ensure the financial resources were adequately allocated to support essential infrastructure and operational needs across different governmental sectors.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1923-24 applies to the allocation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for specific purposes related to additions, new works, and buildings for the financial year ending June 30, 1924. This Act allows the Treasurer to issue and apply a sum of £64,526.2, which is designated for the Prime Minister’s Department, the Home and Territories Department, the Department of Defence, and the Postmaster-General’s Department. The funds are earmarked for various projects including the establishment of a wireless station on Willis Island, the construction and extension of telegraphs and telephones, the laying of conduits and wires underground, and the erection of post offices in different states. The geographic reach of the Act is national, as it pertains to projects across multiple states of Australia, with each department overseeing specific allocations according to the detailed schedule outlined in the Act. The Act does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is direct and specific to the allocations listed without the need for subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1923-24 (Act No. 61 of 1924) authorises the Treasurer to issue and apply a sum of £64,526.2 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30 June 1924. This amount is allocated for various works and buildings projects, as detailed in the Act (sections 2 and 3). The specific appropriations are itemised in the Schedule, which lists the amount allocated to different departments and projects, such as the Prime Minister's Department, Home and Territories Department, Department of Defence, and Postmaster-General's Department (Schedule). Under this Act, the various departments and entities are required to ensure that the allocated funds are used strictly in accordance with the purposes outlined in the Schedule. For example, the Prime Minister's Department must use its allocation for payment to Commonwealth Oil Refineries Ltd., while the Postmaster-General's Department must use its funds for the construction and extension of telegraphs, telephones, conduits, and laying wires underground (Schedule). Each department has the responsibility to account for the expenditure of these funds, ensuring they are applied towards the specified projects and services. The Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches of its provisions. However, given that the Act involves the allocation and expenditure of public funds, breaches of the terms of appropriation or mismanagement of funds could potentially lead to legal consequences under other relevant laws, such as the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 or the Crimes Act 1914. The implications for such breaches could include financial penalties, recovery of misappropriated funds, and potential criminal charges for fraud or misuse of public office.