Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1925 No. 160, enacted in 1925, are amendments to the Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923. These amendments were made to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the telephone services provided by the Commonwealth of Australia. The Postmaster-General, acting under the authority of the Governor-General and the Federal Executive Council, introduced these changes to maintain control over the types of telephone apparatus used by the public and to protect the infrastructure managed by the Department. The primary policy objective behind these amendments is to safeguard the Department's plant and the standard telephone service rendered to subscribers by requiring the approval of the Postmaster-General for any new apparatus and its method of operation, as well as any modifications or alterations to existing apparatus.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, as introduced by Statutory Rules 1925, No. 160, pertains specifically to telephone apparatus and their installation and maintenance. The regulation applies to users of telephone services within the Commonwealth of Australia and mandates that any telephone apparatus must be installed and maintained by the user at their own cost. However, the type of apparatus and its operating method must first be approved by the Postmaster-General to ensure the safeguarding of the Department’s plant and the continued provision of normal telephone services to subscribers. Furthermore, any modifications or alterations to the approved apparatus in any essential aspect require prior approval from the Postmaster-General. The regulation extends its reach across the entire Commonwealth, enforcing standards and safety measures for telephone apparatus and services. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within this specific regulation, and it applies uniformly to all users of telephone services under the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this amended regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923 pertain to the installation and maintenance of telephone apparatus, as detailed in Regulation 66 (Section 66). This regulation requires that any telephone apparatus must be supplied, installed, and maintained at the cost of the user. However, it stipulates that the type of apparatus and its method of operation must first be approved by the Postmaster-General. Additionally, it prohibits any modifications or alterations to the apparatus in any essential particular without the prior approval of the Postmaster-General. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that all telephone apparatus is approved by the Postmaster-General before installation and use. This approval process aims to safeguard the Department’s plant and the normal telephone service rendered to subscribers. Users must also bear the cost of supplying, installing, and maintaining their telephone apparatus. Furthermore, any modifications or alterations to the apparatus must be approved by the Postmaster-General, ensuring that the integrity and functionality of the telephone service are maintained. Any breach of the provisions set out in Regulation 66 can lead to civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this regulation, under the broader authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, there could be potential penalties for non-compliance. These may include fines or other sanctions as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions or regulations that apply.