Treasury Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1915 No. 23, titled "Amendment of Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1912," was enacted in 1915. This legislative instrument was introduced to amend the Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1912 by inserting the phrase "and lighthouse vessels" after the words "Fisheries Investigation vessel" in Treasury Regulation No. 47. The purpose of this amendment was to address a gap in the regulatory oversight of lighthouse vessels, ensuring they were included within the purview of the existing audit regulations. The enactment was authorised by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the policy objective of expanding the scope of regulatory compliance to cover lighthouse vessels, thereby enhancing the integrity and oversight of public expenditures and operations within the maritime sector.

Scope and Application

The legislative instrument C1915L00023 pertains to an amendment of the Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1912, specifically affecting the regulation numbered 47. This amendment was made to extend the application of the regulations to include lighthouse vessels, in addition to fisheries investigation vessels. The regulation amendment comes into immediate effect, as stipulated by the instrument, indicating that it applies to the entire Commonwealth of Australia. The intended application of this legislative instrument is to ensure that both fisheries investigation vessels and lighthouse vessels are subject to the same regulatory and audit requirements under the Audit Act 1901-1912, thereby maintaining consistency in compliance and oversight. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular legislative instrument, and its scope is confined to the specific addition of lighthouse vessels to the regulatory purview. This amendment is an example of how subordinate instruments can extend the application of primary legislation through precise regulatory adjustments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the amendment (C1915L00023) to the Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1912 involve the insertion of new wording into Treasury Regulation No. 47. Specifically, after the term "Fisheries Investigation vessel," the amendment adds the words "and lighthouse vessels." This insertion is intended to include lighthouse vessels within the scope of the regulations that govern Fisheries Investigation vessels. The inclusion of lighthouse vessels in the regulation (section 1) implies that these vessels will now be subject to the same requirements and oversight as Fisheries Investigation vessels. This likely includes provisions for audits, financial management, and reporting obligations, which were previously exclusive to Fisheries Investigation vessels. The amendment imposes obligations and requirements on entities managing or operating lighthouse vessels. These obligations are likely to mirror those applied to Fisheries Investigation vessels, encompassing compliance with audit procedures, financial management standards, and reporting protocols. The inclusion of lighthouse vessels in the regulatory framework suggests that these vessels must now adhere to stringent financial and operational oversight to ensure accountability and transparency in their use and management. For breaches of the amended regulations, the consequences can include both civil and criminal penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument, breaches of similar regulatory frameworks generally result in fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalties would depend on the severity and nature of the breach, as well as any relevant case law or subsequent legislation that may provide more detailed guidance on enforcement actions.