Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1932-33

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1932–33 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to address the need for additional funding beyond the original appropriation for the financial year 1932–33. As assented to on 4 August 1934, the Act sought to appropriate an additional £86,584 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for various additions, new works, buildings, and related services across different departments and territories of the Commonwealth. The policy objective was to facilitate essential infrastructure projects and administrative functions, ensuring the continuation of public services and development activities during that fiscal year.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1932–33 is a Commonwealth Act that provides for the appropriation of £86,584 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30 June 1933. This appropriation is specifically for the purposes of additions, new works, and buildings, as outlined in the Schedule of the Act. The Act applies to various government departments and services, as well as the territories of the Commonwealth, including the Federal Capital Territory. It allocates funds for the erection, additions, and alterations to buildings, engineering services, and other related works across different departments such as Trade and Customs, and Commerce, and for the purchase of wire and wire netting for the states and Northern Territory. Additionally, it includes funds for the purchase of machinery for the Government Printing Office and loans for housing in the Federal Capital Territory. This Act is a legislative tool to ensure that funds are allocated for essential infrastructure and operational improvements across different sectors of the Commonwealth government.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1932–33 (section 1) is the key piece of legislation that appropriates a further sum of £86,584 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ending 30 June 1933 (section 2). This appropriation is designated for specific purposes and services outlined in the schedule to the Act. The appropriation is meant to cover expenses related to additions, new works, and buildings, as well as other associated costs, for various departments and services of the Commonwealth, excluding business undertakings and territories. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, particularly the departments and services outlined in the schedule (section 2). These obligations include ensuring that the appropriated funds are utilised for the intended purposes, as specified in the schedule, and adhering to the budgetary allocations for each itemised expense. The departments and services must account for the use of these funds and ensure that they are spent in accordance with the legislative requirements. Breach of the obligations outlined in the Act can lead to both civil and criminal consequences. While the Act itself does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches of appropriation acts typically result in financial penalties, which can be pursued under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 or other relevant legislation. Additionally, misuse of public funds can lead to criminal charges, such as fraud or theft, under the Criminal Code Act 1995. The maximum penalties for such offences can include significant fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.