Treasury Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1920, enacted in 1921, address the administrative and auditing requirements for works and supplies related to the Repatriation Commission, which was established to manage the welfare and support of Australian military personnel and their families. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to ensure that the financial transactions and procurement processes of the Repatriation Commission are subject to the same scrutiny and accountability as other Commonwealth entities. The amendment to Regulation 67 aims to integrate the Repatriation Commission's operations under the existing framework of the Audit Act, thereby ensuring transparency and compliance in the execution of works and supplies for this new government entity.

Scope and Application

The Treasury Regulations under the Audit Act 1901-1920, as amended by Statutory Rules 1921 No. 141, apply to all entities that provide works and supplies to the Commonwealth government and its agencies, including the Repatriation Commission. The regulations are designed to govern the financial audits of these entities to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements and financial accountability. This includes works and supplies executed by the Commonwealth or State Government Printing Offices, Commonwealth factories, workshops, stores, and dockyards. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying to all Commonwealth entities across Australia. The amendments extend the application of the regulations to include works and supplies for the Repatriation Commission, thereby broadening the scope of entities subject to audit under the Act. The regulations are subject to further refinement and application through subordinate instruments, ensuring flexibility and precision in their implementation.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this legislation is the amendment of Regulation 67 under the Audit Act 1901-1920. Specifically, section (e) of the regulation, which previously covered works executed at and supplies issued from various Commonwealth government facilities, is expanded to include works and supplies for the Repatriation Commission (section 1). This means that the scope of the regulation now encompasses activities related to the Repatriation Commission, ensuring that it falls under the same auditing and accounting requirements as other Commonwealth entities. The obligations imposed by this regulation primarily concern the Repatriation Commission and the entities with which it contracts. They must ensure that all works and supplies are executed and issued in a manner that adheres to the auditing and accounting standards set forth in the Audit Act 1901-1920. This includes maintaining accurate records and providing these records for audit purposes when required. By including the Repatriation Commission under this regulation, the government aims to maintain transparency and accountability in the administration of funds and resources allocated for repatriation services. Breaches of the obligations set out in the Audit Act 1901-1920 can lead to serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, the Act generally provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines and other monetary penalties, while criminal penalties can result in imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts based on the nature and severity of the breach, but the potential for significant consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the Act's requirements.