Trade Commissioners Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1960 No. 45, made under the Trade Commissioners Act 1933-1936, were introduced to amend existing regulations governing the allowances and benefits for trade commissioners. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were aimed at updating the allowances to reflect changes in economic conditions and the expansion of the trade commissioner network to include new countries such as Ghana. The primary objective of these amendments was to ensure that trade commissioners received appropriate support for their roles, which involved promoting Australian trade and investment abroad. By updating the monetary allowances and expanding the list of eligible countries for family visits, the regulations sought to maintain the effectiveness and efficiency of the trade commissioner service.

Scope and Application

The Trade Commissioners Regulations, amended by Statutory Rules 1960, No. 45, pertain to officials designated as Trade Commissioners under the Trade Commissioners Act 1933-1936. These regulations apply to Trade Commissioners stationed in specific countries, including Burma, Ceylon, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaya, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand. The amendments primarily address the allowances and conditions associated with travel and family visits for these Commissioners. For instance, the updated allowance for travel in Australia is specified, and the regulations now cover the costs of fares for the wife or children of Commissioners stationed in the aforementioned countries when they are on local leave. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, with modifications extending to the allowances and conditions for Trade Commissioners in specific overseas locations. The amendments do not introduce any exclusions or exemptions, but they do adjust the financial thresholds and specific terms of support for Trade Commissioners and their families.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Trade Commissioners Act 1933-1936 primarily amend existing provisions to update and expand the scope of the original regulations. For instance, Regulation 3 introduces the term "Ghana" into the definition of "designated post" (section 1), thereby including Ghana as a location where trade commissioners may be stationed. Regulation 6 adjusts the travelling allowance for trade commissioners within Australia from £2,492 to £2,877 (section 2). Furthermore, Regulation 12 modifies the conditions under which family members of commissioners stationed in various countries, including Burma, Ceylon, Ghana, and others, are eligible for travel assistance (section 3). These amendments impose specific obligations on the trade commissioners and their families. For example, they must adhere to the updated definitions and allowances set forth in these regulations. Trade commissioners are expected to ensure that their families, when visiting them in designated posts, qualify under the new criteria for travel assistance. The families must also comply with the conditions outlined for receiving such assistance, including being the wife or a child of a commissioner stationed in the specified countries. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, breaches of regulations could potentially result in civil or administrative penalties. Such penalties may include financial penalties, revocation of allowances, or other corrective measures deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The severity of the consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as the specific provisions of the Trade Commissioners Act 1933-1936 and any related legislation.