Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1940-41

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1940-41 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia in 1942 to address the need for additional funding for works and buildings required during the fiscal year ending 30 June 1941. The act was designed to supplement the original appropriations made in the Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1940–41, ensuring that funds were available to complete necessary infrastructure projects across various departments and services, including business undertakings and the territories of the Commonwealth. The act specifies the appropriation of £239,596 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for specified purposes outlined in the schedule, facilitating the continuation and completion of essential works and building projects. The policy objective of this legislation was to provide the necessary financial resources to support critical infrastructure and building projects that had been approved but required additional funding beyond the initial appropriations. By enabling the allocation of these supplementary funds, the act aimed to ensure that the government could effectively carry out its obligations and commitments in relation to public works and infrastructure development, thereby supporting the overall functioning and growth of the nation during a time of significant economic and social change.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1940–41 applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and pertains to the appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the fiscal year ending on 30 June 1941. The Act facilitates the allocation of £239,596 to various government departments and services, business undertakings, and territories for specific purposes such as additions, new works, buildings, and related expenses. The funds are to be utilised by departments including the Parliament, Department of External Affairs, Department of the Treasury, Department of the Interior, and Department of Social Services, as well as business undertakings like the Commonwealth Railways and the Postmaster-General’s Department, and the territories of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, and it is understood to be in force from its commencement date of 10 July 1942. The application of this Act may be extended or modified through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1940–41 (sections 1-2) provides for the appropriation of £239,596 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ending 30 June 1941. This Act is intended to support various works and buildings across several departments and territories, including the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory. The funds are allocated to different sectors such as government departments, business undertakings, and territories (sections 2, PART I-III). The Act outlines specific obligations for different departments and services to ensure that the appropriated funds are utilised for the designated purposes (Schedule, PART I-III). Each department or service must adhere to the allocated budget for items such as buildings, fittings, and equipment. For instance, the Department of the Interior is responsible for managing funds for Commonwealth offices and other buildings, while the Postmaster-General’s Department must allocate its funds for telephone and telegraph services, among other things. Breach of the terms set by this Act can lead to legal consequences. While the Act does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or specific consequences for breaches, it is implied that misuse of the appropriated funds could result in financial penalties or legal action under other relevant statutes. The Act ensures that the allocated funds are strictly used for the specified works and buildings, and any deviation could potentially result in serious repercussions.