Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Services) Act 1955-56

Overview

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Services) Act 1955-56 was enacted in 1956 to address the need for additional funding for capital expenditure within the Commonwealth of Australia for the financial year ending 30 June 1956. This Act was passed by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, and it came into effect on 3 December 1956. The primary objective of the Act is to facilitate the appropriation of a further sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to cover the costs associated with additions, new works, and other services that require capital expenditure across various departments and territories. This Act ensures that the necessary financial resources are allocated to support ongoing and new projects, thereby enabling the continued development and maintenance of essential infrastructure and services across the nation.

Scope and Application

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Services) Act 1955-56 applies to the appropriation of a sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the service of the financial year ending 30 June 1956. The Act allocates £456,353 for additions, new works, and other services involving capital expenditure, which is divided into three parts: appropriations for departments and services other than business undertakings and territories of the Commonwealth, appropriations for business undertakings, and appropriations for the territories of the Commonwealth. This legislation is applicable to various departments and entities within the Commonwealth of Australia, including the Department of Works, Department of External Affairs, and the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, among others. The geographic scope of this Act is national, covering all Commonwealth territories and entities. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the Act itself; however, the application and interpretation of the Act may be further defined through subordinate instruments or regulations.

Key Provisions

The Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Services) Act 1955-56 (section 1) appropriates a sum of £456,353 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ending 30 June 1956 (section 2). This amount is designated for additions, new works, and other services that involve capital expenditure, as outlined in the schedule attached to the Act. The appropriations are broken down into three parts: (1) Departments and services other than business undertakings and territories of the Commonwealth, (2) business undertakings, and (3) territories of the Commonwealth. The Act imposes specific obligations on various departments and services, directing them to use the appropriated funds for the purposes listed in the schedule. For instance, the Department of Works is tasked with funding buildings, works, fittings, and furniture for several departments. Similarly, the Department of External Affairs is allocated funds for buildings, works, equipment, and furniture in Burma. Each department is required to ensure that the expenditure aligns with the allocations specified in the schedule, maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability. The Act does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil and criminal consequences for breaches of its provisions. However, the failure to adhere to the appropriations and the misuse of funds could potentially lead to legal consequences under broader legislative frameworks governing public expenditure and financial accountability in Australia. In such cases, penalties could range from administrative sanctions to more severe legal repercussions, depending on the nature and extent of the breach.