Telephone Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1914 No. 43, enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Commonwealth, concerns amendments to the Telephone Regulations of 1913. This provisional regulation was introduced due to an urgent need to modify the existing telephone service provisions. The overarching aim is to ensure that the installation of extension lines within buildings or premises, which connect to the exchange line, is facilitated by the Postmaster-General. However, the subscriber must bear the actual cost of the labour and materials used for the installation. Furthermore, the rent for these extension lines is to be paid for a fixed term of one year, after which the service can be discontinued with a one-month notice period. This regulatory amendment was made to address the need for updated and efficient telephone service protocols during that era.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, which amends the Telephone Regulations of 1913, applies to subscribers who require extension lines within a building or premises connected to an Exchange line. This legislation pertains to the installation of these extension lines by the Postmaster-General, contingent upon the subscriber agreeing to cover the actual cost of labour and materials for the installation of the necessary wiring. The regulation also specifies that the rent for such extension lines must be paid for a period of one year, after which the extension service may be discontinued by the subscriber providing one month's notice. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is nationwide, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. This provisional regulation is designed to provide immediate effect and will remain in operation until formal legislation is enacted, reflecting the urgency of the amendments as advised by the Federal Executive Council.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument concern the amendment of the Telephone Regulations of 1913. Specifically, sub-regulation 3 of Regulation 27 is repealed and replaced with a new sub-regulation. The new sub-regulation (3) states that extension lines within the building or on the premises to which the Exchange line connects will be provided by the Postmaster-General. This provision is contingent upon the subscriber agreeing to pay the actual cost of labour and materials used in installing the wires. Additionally, the rent for such extension lines must be paid for a period of one year, after which the extension service may be discontinued with one month’s notice from the subscriber. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this Act include the requirement for subscribers to pay the actual cost of labour and materials for the installation of extension lines. Furthermore, subscribers must pay the rent for these extension lines for a period of one year. If the subscriber wishes to discontinue the extension service, they must provide one month’s notice in accordance with the terms stipulated in the Act. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act can result in civil or criminal consequences. For example, if a subscriber fails to pay the agreed costs or rent for the extension lines, the Postmaster-General may have the right to discontinue the service. Additionally, if the subscriber does not provide the required one month’s notice before discontinuing the service, this could also be considered a breach of the terms outlined in the Act. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, breaches of such regulations could potentially result in fines or other legal actions as per the prevailing laws.