Overview

The notification C2019G00839, issued on 13 September 2019, announces the Queen's approval of the date for her Official Birthday in 2020, to be celebrated on Saturday, 13 June. This announcement was made in accordance with the Public Holidays Act 1993, which sets out the process for declaring public holidays in the Australian Capital Territory. The purpose of this notification is to provide the public with advance notice of the official celebration of the Queen's Birthday, ensuring that appropriate arrangements can be made by government entities and individuals alike. The enacting body responsible for this notification is the Governor-General, acting on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. The policy objective behind the Public Holidays Act 1993 is to facilitate the orderly observance of significant national and cultural events, thereby promoting public participation and engagement. The notification serves to inform the public of an important ceremonial occasion, aligning with the broader aim of the Act to ensure that public holidays are observed in a manner that reflects their significance.

Scope and Application

The Queen's Birthday 2020 Act 2019, as notified in the Gazette on 13 September 2019, pertains to the proclamation of the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen in the year 2020. This Act applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and is a straightforward directive issued by the Governor-General. It sets Saturday, 13 June, 2020, as the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen, providing a specific date for public recognition and celebration. The geographic reach of this Act is limited to the national level within Australia, and it does not extend beyond the proclamation itself. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in the Act, and it does not mention any subordinate instruments extending or restricting its application. The Act serves a ceremonial purpose, establishing a day of national observance in recognition of The Queen's official birthday.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the C2019G00839 legislation pertain to the designation of The Queen's Official Birthday in Australia for the year 2020. Specifically, section 1 states that Her Majesty The Queen has approved Saturday, 13 June, as her Official Birthday for 2020. This designation is significant as it sets the date for various official events and celebrations that honour The Queen, aligning with a long-standing tradition in the Commonwealth realms. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties involved. While the Act itself is brief and straightforward, it underscores the importance of recognising and celebrating The Queen's Official Birthday. This recognition often involves various ceremonial activities and public events that are coordinated by government authorities. For example, section 2 may require the coordination with state and territory governments to ensure that the day is marked appropriately across the country. In terms of legal consequences, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, the importance of observing The Queen's Official Birthday implies a certain level of adherence to the designated date and the associated protocols. Failure to comply might result in informal repercussions or a lack of support for events that are traditionally held on this day. Although there are no specific criminal penalties stated in the Act, the importance of the occasion suggests that any significant deviations could be subject to public scrutiny or administrative consequences.