Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1926-27

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1926-27, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1928, was designed to address a financial gap in the appropriation of funds for the fiscal year ending 30 June 1927. This Act enabled the allocation of additional funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, specifically for the purposes of additions, new works, and buildings within the Department of Defence and the Department of Works and Railways, as well as for business undertakings like the Commonwealth Railways. The overarching policy objective was to ensure that essential infrastructure projects could be completed and operationalised within the specified fiscal year, thereby supporting national security and public services. The Act received royal assent on 28 June 1928, formalising the supplementary appropriation of £21,379.2 as per the Act's provisions.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1926-27 applies to the appropriation of a specified sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ended 30th June 1927. This Act is applicable to the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically designating funds for the Department of Defence and the Department of Works and Railways, as well as the Commonwealth Railways. The funds are earmarked for particular services and projects, including the acquisition of a small arms ammunition factory in Footscray and the installation of equipment for the printing and reproduction of plans. The appropriation also extends to the Federal Territory Railway under the Commonwealth Railways. The geographic scope of this Act is limited to the Commonwealth level, and it does not explicitly provide for extensions or restrictions through subordinate instruments. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the outlined allocations and purposes.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1926-27 (section 1) provides for the appropriation of a specific sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the fiscal year ending 30 June 1927. This Act (section 2) appropriates £21,379.2 for specific services and purposes outlined in the accompanying schedule. The primary sections of the Act detail the allocation of funds to the Department of Defence and the Department of Works and Railways, as well as to the Commonwealth Railways. The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities it governs. For instance, the Department of Defence is required to use the appropriated funds for the acquisition of a Small Arms Ammunition Factory in Footscray, as detailed in the schedule (section 3). Similarly, the Department of Works and Railways must use the funds for the installation of equipment for printing and reproduction of plans. The Commonwealth Railways must use the allocated funds for the Federal Territory Railway. Each of these entities must adhere to the purposes outlined in the schedule to ensure the funds are used as intended. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act may result in legal consequences. Although the Act does not explicitly state specific offences or penalties, breaches of appropriations and misuse of public funds are generally subject to severe penalties under other Australian legislation. Such breaches could potentially lead to criminal charges under the Public Service Act 1922, which could result in fines or imprisonment. Additionally, civil actions could be pursued for the recovery of misused funds. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, but they could include substantial fines and imprisonment terms as outlined in the relevant sections of the Public Service Act 1922.