Telephone (Charging Zones and Charging Districts) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1974 No. 45, enacted under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1973, addresses the need to update and refine the existing regulatory framework governing telephone charging zones and districts. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General, Paul Hasluck, with the advice of the Executive Council, and came into operation on 29 April 1974. The policy objective is to streamline and modernise the classification and pricing of telephone services by making precise amendments to the existing regulations. These amendments involve the removal and addition of various locations to the Second and Third Schedules of the Telephone (Charging Zones and Charging Districts) Regulations, ensuring that the charging zones and districts are accurately reflected to meet the evolving demands of telecommunications infrastructure.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1974 No. 45, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1973, amend the Telephone (Charging Zones and Charging Districts) Regulations. These Regulations, which came into effect on 29 April 1974, modify the Second and Third Schedules of the original regulations by omitting certain localities from charging zones and districts, and by inserting new localities. The changes affect various parts of the Second and Third Schedules, including the removal of specific localities such as Scotchman, Wambidgee, Kooloonong, Narrung, and others, as well as the addition of new localities like Burdett, Beech Forest, and Jingymia. The amendments aim to refine the geographical delineation of charging zones and districts for telephone services across Australia, ensuring that the regulatory framework remains up-to-date and reflective of the current service areas.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1974 No. 45, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1973, introduce amendments to the Telephone (Charging Zones and Charging Districts) Regulations. These Regulations, which come into effect on 29 April 1974, modify the Second and Third Schedules to the original regulations by removing and inserting specific names in various parts and columns of the schedule. The changes primarily involve the omission of certain place names from the lists in the schedules, as well as the insertion of new names in place of the removed ones. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the entities responsible for managing the telephone charging zones and districts. They require the entities to update their records and administrative processes to reflect the changes made by these Regulations. This includes ensuring that all references to the omitted place names are removed and that the newly inserted names are accurately recorded and applied in relevant documentation and systems. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences outlined for breaches of these Regulations. However, failure to comply with these amendments could lead to inaccuracies in billing and service provision, potentially resulting in disputes or dissatisfaction among consumers and businesses. It is important for the relevant entities to adhere to the changes to maintain the integrity and fairness of the charging system.