Telephone Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 103, are regulations made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 to amend the Telephone Regulations of 1913. Enacted by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aim to adjust certain percentage figures within the existing regulatory framework. Specifically, the regulation replaces "50 per centum" with "25 per centum" in Regulations 106 and 107. This change was made to address inefficiencies or outdated provisions within the telecommunications regulatory system as it stood in 1920, thereby aligning the regulatory framework with contemporary needs and ensuring smoother operation within the postal and telegraph services. The policy objective behind this amendment is to refine and modernise the regulatory oversight of telecommunications, reflecting changes in technology and service demands.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 103, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, amend the existing Telephone Regulations from 1913. These regulations apply to any person or entity involved in the operation, maintenance, or use of telephone services within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations specifically address the financial aspects of telephone services, altering the percentage rates for certain charges or fees as stipulated in Regulations 106 and 107 from 50 per centum to 25 per centum. This legislative instrument is effective immediately upon its creation and covers the entire Commonwealth, ensuring uniform application across all states and territories. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but they are subject to any future amendments or clarifications through subordinate instruments that might extend or restrict their application. The immediate effect of these regulations is to adjust the financial obligations for those engaged in the provision or consumption of telephone services, impacting both service providers and users across Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument involve the amendment of the existing Telephone Regulations, specifically Regulations 106 and 107, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 (sections 1 to 4). The regulation modifies the previously stipulated percentage, reducing it from 50 per centum to 25 per centum wherever it appears within the aforementioned regulations. This change likely pertains to the financial obligations or rates associated with telephone services, as dictated by the amended regulations. The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily on the entities and individuals who are subject to the amended Telephone Regulations. These entities and individuals must now comply with the new 25 per centum rate as opposed to the previous 50 per centum rate, affecting any financial agreements, billing, or service charges related to telephone services. This adjustment requires adherence to the new percentage in all relevant transactions and documentation. There are no explicit mentions of offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches within the text of this statutory rule. However, it can be inferred that any failure to comply with the newly mandated 25 per centum rate in the amended regulations could lead to non-compliance issues, potentially resulting in disputes or legal actions. The consequences would depend on the specifics of the contracts or agreements in place and the broader regulatory framework governing postal and telegraph services during that period. The absence of specified penalties in this particular legislative instrument suggests that any enforcement would rely on the general provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 or related legal principles.