Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1925-26

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1925-26 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament in 1927 to address the need for additional funding for the year ended 30 June 1926. This Act was introduced to supplement the original appropriation made in 1925, ensuring that various departments and services could continue their work effectively. The primary objective of this Act was to allocate a further sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to cover expenses for additions, new works, buildings, and other related services. This supplementary appropriation aimed to support the operational needs of key government departments and business undertakings, ensuring continuity and efficiency in public services. The Act appropriates a total of £29,741 for the specified purposes, with allocations distributed across different government departments and services. This includes funding for the Prime Minister's Department, the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of Defence, the Department of Trade and Customs, and the Department of Works and Railways, as well as the Commonwealth Railways. The funding ensures that these entities could undertake necessary works and acquisitions to meet their operational requirements for the financial year.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1925-26 applies to various Commonwealth departments and business undertakings, allocating funds for specific purposes outlined in the Act. This includes the Prime Minister's Department, the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of Defence, the Department of Trade and Customs, and the Department of Works and Railways, as well as the Commonwealth Railways, which are categorised as business undertakings. The Act appropriates a sum of £29,741.2 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30 June 1926. The allocated funds are intended for the purposes specified in the Act, which include the purchase of properties and sites, construction, and installation of equipment. The Act applies nationally as it is a Commonwealth Act, thus affecting all relevant entities within Australia. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but the allocation is strictly limited to the purposes and services detailed in the Act. Any further extension or restriction of the application of this Act may be governed by subordinate instruments or regulations, though such details are not provided within the primary text of this Act.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1925-26 (sections 2 and 3) allocates the sum of £29,741 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the fiscal year ending 30 June 1926. This allocation is for specific purposes outlined in the Schedule, which details expenditures across various government departments and services. The Act ensures that this funding is formally appropriated as of the date of the Act's passing. Under this Act, several obligations and requirements are imposed on the entities it governs. Each department and service listed in the Schedule must ensure that their expenditures align with the allocated amounts and purposes specified. For instance, the Prime Minister's Department is allocated £5,845, which must be used for purposes such as the purchase of properties and sites. Similarly, the Attorney-General's Department must account for £3,252 for property acquisitions, while the Department of Defence is allotted £2,785 for munitions supply branch activities. These allocations must be meticulously tracked and reported to ensure compliance with the Act. Failure to adhere to the provisions of this Act can lead to serious consequences. Although the Act does not explicitly detail penalties, breaches of appropriation laws in Australia can result in criminal charges or civil penalties. Under Australian law, misuse of public funds can lead to charges of fraud or embezzlement, with maximum penalties including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, departments and individuals found in non-compliance may face internal audits, investigations, and disciplinary actions from the relevant oversight bodies.