Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1936-37

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1936–37 was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to address the need for additional funding for works and buildings beyond the original appropriations for the fiscal year 1936–37. Assented to on 12th December 1938, this Act was brought into effect on 9th January 1939. It authorises the appropriation of £535,619 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to cover various works and buildings across different departments and services, including business undertakings and territories of the Commonwealth. This supplementary appropriation was intended to support essential infrastructure projects and services that were not fully funded in the original appropriation act. The enactment of this legislation by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives highlights the commitment to ensuring adequate funding for critical infrastructure development and maintenance during that period.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1936-37 is a Commonwealth legislation that provides for the appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ended 30th June 1937. The Act allocates the sum of £535,619 for various purposes as detailed in the Act's Schedule. This appropriation is intended to cover expenses related to additions, new works, and buildings across different departments and services, business undertakings, and territories of the Commonwealth. The Act applies to various government departments and entities, including the Department of Treasury, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Defence, the Commonwealth Railways, and the Postmaster-General's Department, as well as the territories of the Commonwealth. The allocation of funds is specified for particular projects such as the erection of a cottage for a Taxation Officer at Darwin, the acquisition of a Small Arms Ammunition Factory in Footscray, and the Trans-Australian Railway among others. The geographic scope of the Act is national, as it pertains to the entire Commonwealth of Australia. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds stated in the Act itself, although the application and interpretation of the Act may be subject to subordinate instruments or regulations that may extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1936–37 (sections 1 and 2) establishes the appropriation of £535,619 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ending 30 June 1937. This sum is designated for additions, new works, buildings, and related services outlined in the Schedule to this Act. The appropriation is effective from the date of the passing of the Act. The Schedule breaks down the appropriation into three main categories: Part I pertains to departments and services excluding business undertakings and territories of the Commonwealth, Part II relates to business undertakings, and Part III concerns the territories of the Commonwealth. The Act imposes obligations on various departments and entities to ensure that the appropriated funds are utilised strictly in accordance with the specified purposes. For instance, the Department of the Treasury is tasked with the erection of a cottage for a Taxation Officer at Darwin, while the Department of Defence is responsible for acquiring instalments for a Small Arms Ammunition Factory at Footscray. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Railways are allocated funds for the Trans-Australian Railway, and the Postmaster-General’s Department is assigned funds for telephone exchange services. These allocations are meticulously detailed in the Schedule, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Breaches of the provisions of this Act can lead to legal consequences. While the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties within its text, general legislative principles apply. Misuse or unauthorised use of the appropriated funds could potentially result in civil or criminal liability, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. The penalties for such breaches could include fines or imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness with which the law regards the misappropriation of public funds. The precise penalties would be determined in the context of broader legislative frameworks governing public finance and administrative law.