Treasury Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1932, No. 111, made under the Audit Act 1901-1926, introduces amendments to the Treasury Regulations to bring them into line with the renaming of the region formerly known as "North Australia" to "the Northern Territory". This legislative instrument was enacted to address the need for regulatory updates following the change in nomenclature, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the application of the Audit Act. The changes were made by the Governor-General in accordance with advice from the Federal Executive Council, aimed at streamlining the administrative processes related to the collection and management of public funds within the newly named territory. The policy objective behind these amendments is to ensure that the administration of financial matters in the Northern Territory remains efficient and legally compliant with the updated territorial designation.

Scope and Application

The Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1926, as amended by Statutory Rules 1932, No. 111, pertain to the regulation of financial collections, expenditures, and administrative processes within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations apply to all entities and individuals involved in financial transactions with the Commonwealth, including public servants, contractors, and state and territory governments. The amendments extend to the Northern Territory, replacing the previous designation of "North Australia" with "the Northern Territory" in multiple provisions, thereby clarifying and updating the jurisdictional terminology. Additionally, the Treasurer is granted flexibility through specific provisions to direct the remittance of collections to a Receiver in a state other than where the moneys were collected in exceptional circumstances, allowing for a more adaptive financial management approach. This legislation further stipulates that works, supplies, and services for the Marine Branch of the Department of Commerce, specifically those related to the overhaul and repair of vessels, boats, and launches, are now covered under the regulations, ensuring that these activities are conducted within the prescribed financial frameworks.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Statutory Rules pertain to the amendment of the Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1926, with specific changes outlined in Regulations 10, 15, 67, and 68. Regulation 10 is amended to replace references to "North Australia" with "the Northern Territory" and introduces a proviso allowing the Treasurer to direct that collections be remitted to a Receiver in a state other than where the moneys were collected. Regulation 15 is modified to include a clause that mandates compliance with the Treasurer's directions, and it also replaces "North Australia" with "the Northern Territory". Regulation 67 is updated to include works, supplies, and services for the Marine Branch of the Department of Commerce in connection with the overhaul and repair of vessels, boats, and launches. Finally, Regulation 68 is altered to substitute "North Australia" with "the Northern Territory" and replaces "Gazette of North Australia" with "the Gazette of the Northern Territory". These amendments impose certain obligations on the parties or entities governed by the Audit Act 1901-1926. Specifically, Regulation 10 requires that collections be remitted to a Receiver in the Northern Territory, unless otherwise directed by the Treasurer. This amendment introduces flexibility in the remittance of collections, allowing the Treasurer to direct an alternative state for the collection of funds. Regulation 15 mandates that the parties must comply with any directions issued by the Treasurer, thereby centralising control over the remittance process. Regulation 67 introduces a new category of works, supplies, and services for the Marine Branch of the Department of Commerce, thus broadening the scope of activities covered under the Audit Act. The Statutory Rules also establish consequences for non-compliance with the amended regulations. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed within the text provided, it is generally understood that breaches of the Audit Act 1901-1926 and its regulations could result in administrative, civil, or criminal penalties. These could include fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions as prescribed by the Act or relevant legislation. The maximum penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the specific provisions of the Audit Act and any related laws.