Supply Act (Works and Buildings) (No. 3) 1914-15

Overview

The Supply (Works and Buildings) (No. 3) Act 1914–15 was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to address the financial needs for public works and buildings during the fiscal year ending 30 June 1915. This Act was specifically designed to grant and apply a substantial sum from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to support various government departments in their activities related to new works and additions to existing structures. Authorising the issue and application of £262,690, the Act ensures that the funds are allocated for purposes outlined in its schedule, with a strict deadline for expenditure set at the end of the specified financial year. The overarching policy objective is to facilitate the completion of essential works and building projects across different government departments, thereby contributing to the nation's infrastructure and administrative capabilities.

Scope and Application

The Supply Act (Works and Buildings) (No. 3) 1914-15 applies to the allocation and application of funds within specified departments of the Commonwealth Government for specific works and buildings. The Act pertains to the financial year ending 30 June 1915 and authorises the issuance of £262,690 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to various government departments for designated purposes. The Act applies to the Department of Home Affairs, Postmaster-General's Department, Department of the Treasury, Department of Defence, Department of External Affairs, and Department of Trade and Customs, each allocated a specific amount for works and buildings as detailed in the Schedule. This appropriation is limited to expenditures that must be completed by 30 June 1915. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and the scope is strictly confined to the financial allocations and purposes outlined within the Act and its Schedule. The Act does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Supply (Works and Buildings) (No. 3) 1914–15 Act, as referenced in section 1, grants and applies a sum of money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ending 30th June 1915. Specifically, section 2 authorises the issuance and application of £262,690 for the purposes outlined in the Schedule to this Act, with the Treasurer empowered to do so (section 2). This sum is available for the purposes specified in the Schedule, and is to be expended under the authority of the Governor-General (section 3). Notably, no expenditures are to be made under this Act after 30th June 1915 (section 4). The Act imposes several obligations on the entities it governs. These include adherence to the specified budget allocations as outlined in the Schedule, which details the distribution of funds among various departments such as Home Affairs, Postmaster-General’s Department, Treasury, Defence, External Affairs, and Trade and Customs. Each department must ensure that their expenditures are within the limits set out for them, and the Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the application of these funds (section 2). The Act also mandates that any expenditure must be authorised by the Governor-General (section 3). Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act can result in legal consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text, it is implicit that breaches of the Act could lead to financial mismanagement or misuse of public funds, which historically have been serious matters in Australian law. Historically, such breaches could result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The maximum penalties, however, would be determined by the specific legal context and any supplementary legislation enacted to address such breaches.