The Priory in Australia of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem - Out of Session Admission 2019

Overview

The Out of Session Admission 2019, issued by The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, Priory in Australia, is a legislative instrument designed to address procedural gaps in the admission process of members into the Order. Enacted under the authority of Dame of Grace Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, this Admission was implemented to ensure that the Order's membership can be expanded in exceptional circumstances outside of the regular sessions, thereby maintaining the Order's ability to promptly recognise and integrate individuals who contribute significantly to its charitable objectives. This measure was introduced to streamline the admission process, ensuring the Order can respond swiftly to unique situations that warrant immediate membership without the need to wait for the next scheduled session.

Scope and Application

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Admission Act 2019 applies to the Order's activities within Australia, governing its operations and the conduct of its members. This Act encompasses individuals and entities associated with the Order, including members, officers, and volunteers, as well as the conduct and transactions they undertake in the course of their involvement with the Order. It extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the Order's practices and governance are aligned with national standards. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds; however, it provides for the Order to make rules and regulations under the Act, which may further define the scope of its application. These subordinate instruments can extend or restrict the application of the Act, ensuring flexibility in managing the Order's activities while maintaining oversight and accountability.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Admission 2019, focus on the governance and management of the Order within Australia. Section 3 provides for the appointment of a Prior, who will be the chief executive officer of the Order and responsible for its management and administration. Section 4 details the role of the Grand Prior, who is the international leader of the Order, and his authority over the Australian Priory. Section 5 outlines the duties of the Priory Council, which advises the Prior on the management of the Order. Section 6 addresses the composition and responsibilities of the Order's committees and their roles in implementing the policies and decisions of the Priory Council. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. The Prior, under Section 3, is required to manage the Order in accordance with its constitution and any relevant laws. The Priory Council, as mentioned in Section 5, must provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure the Order operates effectively and in line with its charitable purposes. Additionally, the Order must ensure it maintains proper records of its activities and finances, complying with any relevant reporting requirements. These obligations are designed to ensure that the Order operates in a transparent, accountable, and lawful manner. Breach of the Act's provisions can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. For instance, under Section 10, any person found guilty of knowingly providing false or misleading information to the Order, or its governing bodies, can face civil penalties. The maximum penalty for such an offence is set out in Section 12, which may include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, the Order itself can be subject to enforcement actions if it fails to comply with its obligations, such as failing to maintain proper records or act in accordance with its constitution. Such breaches could result in sanctions, including fines or the potential revocation of the Order's charitable status, as stipulated in Section 14. These provisions underscore the importance of adherence to the legislative requirements set forth by the Act.