Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1924-25

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1924–25 was enacted in 1927 to address the need for additional funding beyond what was initially allocated in the 1924–25 financial year for specific projects related to additions, new works, and buildings. The Act was passed by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and received Royal Assent on 8th April 1927. Its primary policy objective was to ensure that certain government projects could proceed as planned by appropriating a further sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to cover these expenditures. This legislation facilitated the appropriation of £2,672 for the fiscal year ending 30th June 1925, specifically for works and buildings under the Department of Defence and the Department of Trade and Customs, as well as the Institute of Science and Industry. The funds were allocated for various projects, including alterations to the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne and the erection of shelter sheds at Mercantile Marine Offices in different states, as well as the establishment and equipment of the Institute of Science and Industry.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1924-25 applies to the appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the service of the year ending June 30, 1925. Specifically, this Act pertains to the allocation of £2,672 for additions, new works, and buildings across various departments and locations, as detailed in the Act's schedule. This appropriation is deemed to have been made from the date of the passing of Act No. 13 of 1924. The funds are allocated to the Department of Defence for alterations to Victoria Barracks in Melbourne and to the Department of Trade and Customs for the erection of shelter sheds at Mercantile Marine Offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, as well as for the establishment and equipment of the Institute of Science and Industry. The Act's jurisdictional reach is national, as it pertains to Commonwealth funds and projects undertaken by federal departments across different states in Australia. The Act itself does not provide for any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, nor does it extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1924–25 (Section 1) outlines the appropriation of £2,672 for the service of the year ending 30 June 1925. This appropriation is for specific purposes detailed in the Act's schedule, primarily for works and buildings. The money is to be used for additions, new works, and buildings, as listed in the Act’s schedule (Section 2). The allocation of funds is specified to various departments and purposes, such as alterations to Victoria Barracks in Melbourne and the erection of shelter sheds at Mercantile Marine Offices across several states, along with the establishment and equipment of the Institute of Science and Industry (Schedule). The Act imposes obligations on the Department of Defence and the Department of Trade and Customs to ensure that the allocated funds are used strictly for the purposes stated in the schedule. The Department of Defence is required to undertake alterations to Victoria Barracks, while the Department of Trade and Customs must use the funds for erecting shelter sheds at Mercantile Marine Offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, as well as for the establishment and equipment of the Institute of Science and Industry (Schedule). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for breach stated within the Act. However, any misuse or misallocation of the appropriated funds would likely be subject to the general financial and administrative oversight mechanisms available under Australian law, including potential audit and review processes by relevant governmental bodies. The Act’s purpose is primarily administrative and financial, focusing on the allocation and use of specific funds for public works and buildings, rather than on creating criminal offences or specifying penalties for breaches.