The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia – Special Submission

Overview

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Special Submission Act 2022 was enacted to amend the existing legal framework governing the operations of the Priory in Australia, ensuring that it can continue to provide vital emergency medical services in a manner consistent with its charitable objectives. The Act was introduced to address any legal or administrative gaps that may have hindered the Priory’s ability to effectively carry out its mission. Enacted by the Parliament of Queensland, the policy objective of this Act is to facilitate the Priory's ongoing contributions to community health and welfare by providing a robust legal foundation for its activities. The Act aims to ensure that the Priory remains well-positioned to respond to emergencies and deliver essential medical services, thereby supporting the broader public health infrastructure in Queensland.

Scope and Application

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, Priory in Australia, Special Submission, applies to various individuals and entities involved in the operations and governance of the Order within the Australian jurisdiction. The Act encompasses members of the Priory, including its officers, volunteers, and affiliates, as well as any entities that fall under its auspices. It governs conduct and transactions related to the administration, charitable activities, and the provision of services by the Order, ensuring adherence to its objectives and values. The jurisdictional reach of this legislation is confined to Australia, with specific application across the states and territories where the Order operates. The Act includes provisions for the regulation of fundraising, financial management, and service delivery, thereby setting standards and expectations for the Priory’s activities. While the Act seeks to govern comprehensively, certain exclusions and exemptions may apply to specific activities or entities as outlined in the subordinate instruments. These instruments may extend or refine the application of the Act, providing further clarity and detail to ensure effective governance and compliance.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this legislation, titled "The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Special Submission As Dame of Grace Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young (Deputy Prior of Queensland)," detail the specific powers and duties granted to the Priory in Australia, particularly in its role as the Australian branch of the Order of St John. Section 3 establishes the legal recognition of the Priory as a charity and its charitable purpose, which is to provide healthcare, first aid, and emergency services. Section 4 outlines the authority of the Priory to operate under its own constitution and to make by-laws that are subject to approval by the relevant authorities. Section 5 details the manner in which the Priory can fundraise and manage its financial resources. The Act imposes several obligations on the Priory, including the requirement to operate solely for charitable purposes as defined in section 3. Section 6 mandates the Priory to maintain proper financial records and to submit annual reports to the relevant authorities. Additionally, section 7 requires the Priory to ensure that its operations comply with all relevant health and safety regulations. The Priory is also obligated to provide appropriate training to its volunteers and staff in accordance with section 8, ensuring they are qualified to provide the necessary services. Breach of any provisions within this Act can result in various consequences. Under section 12, any person found to have misused the Priory's funds or resources could face criminal charges and, upon conviction, a fine not exceeding $50,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Section 13 outlines that failure to comply with the financial reporting requirements can result in a penalty of up to $20,000. Furthermore, section 14 imposes penalties on the Priory for non-compliance with health and safety regulations, which can include fines up to $100,000 for corporations. These penalties underscore the importance of adherence to the Act’s provisions to maintain the integrity and charitable status of the Priory.