Treasury Regulations 1919 (Amendment)

Overview

The Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901–1917 were introduced in 1920 as a legislative instrument to refine and expand the scope of existing regulations. This amendment, made under the authority of the Audit Act, was enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council. The problem this amendment sought to address was the need to extend the application of certain regulations beyond the previously specified "coded addresses" to encompass other instances as approved by the Treasurer. This change aimed to provide more flexibility and responsiveness in the administration of audits, ensuring that the regulations could be adapted to new or unforeseen circumstances as required. The objective of the policy was to streamline and enhance the auditing process, allowing for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the oversight of public finances.

Scope and Application

The Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901–1917 apply to the conduct and operations of the Commonwealth government, encompassing various entities and individuals who are subject to the provisions of the Audit Act. These regulations govern the financial and auditing practices of Commonwealth entities, ensuring accountability and transparency in public expenditure and financial management. They apply broadly across the Commonwealth, extending to all government departments and agencies, as well as to any other entities as approved by the Treasurer. The regulations are subject to amendment through subordinate instruments, which allows for the inclusion of additional instances where coded addresses or other specific methods are required for financial transactions and reporting. This flexibility ensures the regulations can adapt to changing circumstances and requirements. However, specific exclusions or exemptions from these regulations are not detailed in the provided excerpt, meaning that the regulations likely apply to a wide range of financial activities unless otherwise specified through subsequent amendments or subordinate legislation.

Key Provisions

The Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901–1917 have undergone an amendment, specifically modifying Regulation 38 (paragraph 1). The amendment allows for the coding of addresses in instances beyond those previously specified, provided the Treasurer approves these additional instances (paragraph 2). This change grants the Treasurer the flexibility to determine when and how addresses may be coded, potentially enhancing the efficiency and security of communication protocols within the scope of the Act (paragraph 3). The amendment imposes an obligation on the Treasurer to review and approve any additional instances where coded addresses are deemed necessary (paragraph 4). This responsibility ensures that the coding of addresses is conducted in a manner that aligns with the Act’s objectives, which may include maintaining confidentiality or ensuring compliance with specific security measures (paragraph 5). The entities or parties governed by these Regulations must therefore be prepared to seek approval from the Treasurer for any such coding activities that fall outside the previously specified instances (paragraph 6). Failure to comply with the amended Regulation 38 could result in legal repercussions, though the specific nature of these consequences is not detailed within the legislative instrument itself (paragraph 7). However, given the general framework of the Audit Act 1901–1917, breaches could potentially lead to penalties or other civil or criminal consequences, as outlined in the broader legislative context (paragraph 8). The maximum penalties, if applicable, would be determined in accordance with the overarching provisions of the Act, though these are not specified within the amendment document (paragraph 9).