Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1941-42

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1941-42 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament in 1943 to provide additional funds for the year ended June 30, 1942, for purposes such as additions, new works, and buildings. The Act addresses the need for supplementary funding beyond what was initially allocated in the Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1941-42, enabling the government to meet unforeseen expenses or additional requirements that arose during the financial year. The total sum appropriated under this Act amounts to £279,507, distributed across various departments and services, including business undertakings and territories of the Commonwealth. The policy objective of this legislation is to ensure that the government can effectively carry out its functions and obligations by providing necessary additional funds for works and buildings. This Act reflects the government's commitment to maintaining and improving infrastructure and services, particularly in light of the exigencies of the time, likely exacerbated by wartime demands.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1941-42 is an Act of the Commonwealth of Australia that appropriates funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the financial year ended 30 June 1942. This Act applies to various departments and services of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to the Parliament, Department of External Affairs, Department of the Treasury, Department of the Interior, and Department of Social Services. It also pertains to business undertakings such as the Commonwealth Railways and the Postmaster-General's Department, as well as the territories of the Commonwealth, namely the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The Act allocates a total sum of £279,507 for additions, new works, buildings, and other services as detailed in the Schedule to the Act. The geographic reach of this Act is national, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, with the specified allocations intended to support infrastructure and operational needs across various sectors. The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1941-42 does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. However, it is likely that the implementation and enforcement of this Act may be subject to other relevant legislation and regulations that govern public expenditure and financial management within the Commonwealth. The Act itself does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments but rather relies on the detailed allocations specified within its provisions and the Schedule.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1941-42 (sections 1 and 2) provides for the appropriation of £279,507 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ended 30th June 1942, for specific purposes outlined in the Act's schedule. These purposes include additions, new works, and buildings for various departments, business undertakings, and territories of the Commonwealth. The Act specifies the allocation of funds across different sectors, such as Parliament, the Department of External Affairs, and the Postmaster-General's Department, among others. Entities governed by the Act must adhere to the appropriations and allocations specified in the schedule. For instance, the Department of the Interior is responsible for the allocation of funds for various works and buildings across multiple departments and services. Each department must ensure that the funds are utilised strictly for the purposes outlined in the Act, and any deviation from these purposes would require further appropriation or legislative amendment. The Act also details specific allocations for business undertakings like the Commonwealth Railways and the Postmaster-General’s Department, mandating that these funds be used for the stated objectives, such as the North Australian Railway and telephone exchange services. Failure to comply with the appropriations specified in the Act may result in legal and financial repercussions. The Act does not explicitly outline offences or penalties for non-compliance but implies that any misuse of funds would be subject to the general financial oversight and accountability frameworks of the Commonwealth. The breach of these financial regulations could lead to audits, investigations, and potential recoveries of misused funds. The specific legal consequences would be determined by the broader legislative context governing public finance and appropriation in Australia.