Telephone Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 163, represents an amended regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, introduced to address specific operational aspects within the framework of the telephone services. Enacted by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the regulation was aimed at providing clarity and additional guidelines concerning the installation of telephone wires in buildings wired at the Department's expense. The regulation, which amends the existing Telephone Regulations 1913, introduces a financial charge for labour and materials used in the installation process, specifically when the block distribution system is employed. This legislative instrument seeks to ensure that the financial responsibilities are clearly delineated and appropriately accounted for within the operational parameters of the Commonwealth's postal and telegraph services.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, specifically amending Regulation 27 of the Telephone Regulations 1913, applies to any person or entity engaged in the provision of telephone services, particularly those who have had their buildings wired at the Department's expense. The regulation is intended to clarify and implement the financial obligations associated with the installation of telephone wires in buildings using the block distribution system. The scope of the legislation is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, as it falls under federal jurisdiction. The regulation introduces a specific charge for the labour and materials involved in installing the wires, thereby extending the financial responsibility of the telephone service provider. Any exclusions or exemptions are not explicitly detailed within the text, and the regulation itself does not extend its application through subordinate instruments beyond its immediate amendment to the existing regulations.

Key Provisions

The principal amendment introduced by the Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 163, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, pertains to Regulation 27 of the Telephone Regulations 1913. This regulation is specifically modified by inserting additional provisions after the term "wires" in sub-regulation (3). This amendment introduces a new charge for installations when a block distribution system is in use and the building has been wired at the expense of the Department. The new provision states that a charge of Ten shillings shall be levied for the labour and material used in such installations (Reg. 27(3)). This amendment aims to clarify the financial responsibilities associated with telephone installations in certain circumstances. Under these amended regulations, the Department, which in this context is the entity responsible for the maintenance and development of the postal and telegraph services, has certain obligations. When a building is wired at the Department's expense and a block distribution system is employed, the Department must ensure that the appropriate charge is levied. This charge is intended to cover the costs associated with the labour and materials used in the installation process. The Department must accurately calculate and bill for this charge, ensuring that it is consistent with the terms set out in the amended regulation. Failure to comply with the provisions of the amended regulation may result in various consequences. While the specific legal ramifications are not detailed in the statutory rules, breaches of regulations often lead to administrative penalties or legal actions. In the context of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, non-compliance could potentially result in financial penalties imposed on the party responsible for the breach. These penalties are intended to enforce adherence to the regulatory framework and ensure the proper functioning of the postal and telegraph services. The exact penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the breach, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.