Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1973 No. 144, enacted on 19th July 1973, amends the Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1971. This legislative instrument was made by the Governor-General of Australia, acting on the advice of the Executive Council. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure that pensioner rental rates for telephone services are inclusive of individuals receiving supporting mother’s benefits under Part IVaaa of the Social Security Act. The amendment to Regulation 29 aims to align the definition of a pensioner to reflect this additional category of beneficiaries, thereby providing equitable access to discounted telecommunications services for a broader group of pensioners.

Scope and Application

Statutory Rules 1973 No. 144, Regulations Under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1971, amends the existing Telephone Regulations by modifying the definition of a “pensioner” to include those receiving a supporting mother’s benefit under Part IVaaa of the Social Security Act. These regulations apply to individuals and entities involved in telecommunications services governed by the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1971, impacting the pricing structure for certain telecommunications services. The amendment is effective from 3rd July 1973, indicating a direct application to all persons and entities providing telephone services across the Commonwealth of Australia. The scope of these regulations is confined to the amendment of the rental rates specified in Regulation 29 of the existing Telephone Regulations and does not introduce broader changes or exclusions. While the primary legislation sets the legal framework, the specific rates and further details may be further regulated through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations, specifically Regulation 2, amend the definition of “pensioner” under Regulation 29 of the Telephone Regulations. Regulation 29 is amended by inserting additional criteria into the definition of a pensioner, now including individuals receiving a supporting mother’s benefit under Part IVaaa of the Social Security Act 1991. This amendment ensures that the expanded group of beneficiaries are eligible for the specified rates and services under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1971. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the entities governed by them. They require compliance with the amended definition of a pensioner, ensuring that the expanded group of beneficiaries who are eligible for concessionary rates on telephone services are correctly identified and afforded the relevant benefits. This includes the necessity for service providers to verify the eligibility of pensioner status based on the updated criteria. There are no explicit offences or penalties mentioned within the Regulations themselves. However, any breaches of the amended provisions or failure to comply with the obligations outlined would likely fall under the general administrative or regulatory provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1971. Penalties for non-compliance with the Post and Telegraph Act could include fines, legal actions, or other enforcement measures as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any other applicable laws or regulations.