Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1947-48

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1947-48 was enacted in 1949 by the Parliament of Australia to address the need for additional funds beyond what had been initially appropriated for the financial year ending 30 June 1948. This Act ensures that a further sum of £1,246,723 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund is allocated for additions, new works, and buildings across various departments and services. The policy objective behind this Act was to provide necessary financial support for essential infrastructure and operational needs across different sectors, including departments and services, business undertakings, and territories of the Commonwealth. The Act, which came into effect on 16 August 1949, allocates funds to several government departments and services, as well as business undertakings and territories, to facilitate their ongoing operations and expansion. The appropriations are detailed in the Schedule, with specific allocations for the Australian Legation in the Netherlands, the Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan, and various other departments, ensuring the necessary resources are directed to critical areas of government activity.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1947-48 applies to the appropriation of a specified sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the fiscal year ending 30th June 1948, intended for the purposes of additions, new works, buildings, and other related services. This Act is a legislative instrument of the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to various departments and services, including those that are not business undertakings or territories of the Commonwealth, as well as business undertakings and the territories of the Commonwealth. The appropriation of the sum of £1,246,723 is detailed in the schedule, which allocates funds across different departments and services, including the Department of External Affairs, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Repatriation, the Department of Commerce and Agriculture, the Department of Supply and Shipping, the Department of Immigration, and the Department of Information. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds; however, it does detail the allocation of funds to specific projects and services within the listed departments. The scope and application of the Act are further defined by the subordinate instruments that may extend or restrict its application, although the Act itself does not provide explicit details on this aspect.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1947-48 (referred to as the Act) primarily focuses on the appropriation of funds for specific purposes related to works and buildings (Section 2). It stipulates that the sum of £1,246,723 issued from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ending 30 June 1948 is to be appropriated for the services and purposes outlined in the Schedule of the Act. This appropriation is to be considered effective from the commencement date of the Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1947-48. The Act imposes obligations on the various departments and entities to utilize the appropriated funds for specific projects and purposes as outlined in the Schedule. For instance, the Department of External Affairs is to use the allocated funds for the equipment and furniture of the Australian Legation in the Netherlands and the Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan. Similarly, the Department of Repatriation is required to use its funds for the acquisition of sites and buildings. The Department of Works and Housing, overseeing several divisions, must ensure that the funds are allocated towards buildings, works, fittings, and furniture for various departments. Breaches of the obligations outlined in the Act could potentially lead to financial mismanagement and misuse of public funds. While the Act does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches could result in legal scrutiny and potential audits by the Commonwealth. The misuse of funds could lead to civil or criminal consequences under other relevant legislation, including financial misconduct and fraud, which carry significant penalties as per Australian law. In summary, the Act serves to appropriate specific funds for particular works and buildings across various departments and entities. It mandates that these funds be used strictly for the purposes specified, ensuring efficient and accountable use of public resources. The Act underscores the importance of adherence to budgetary allocations and financial oversight in the public sector.