Treasury Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1911 No. 77, enacted on 12 May 1911, constitutes a Provisional Treasury Regulation under the Audit Acts 1901-1906. This regulation was introduced by the Governor-General, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, due to the urgency of the matter. The regulation seeks to amend Treasury Regulation No. 34 by allowing the use of forms of printed receipts not bound in books specifically for telephone charges. This change addresses a practical issue in the administration of telephone charges, aiming to streamline the process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The regulation was enacted by the Commonwealth Government, reflecting a policy objective to improve efficiency in public financial management. The Provisional Regulation came into immediate operation to address a gap in the existing framework for handling telephone charges within the context of the Audit Acts 1901-1906. By certifying this amendment, the Governor-General, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, ensured that the necessary adjustments to the Treasury Regulations were promptly implemented, reflecting the government's commitment to adapting to contemporary administrative needs. The regulation was published by J. Kemp, the Government Printer for the State of Victoria, underscoring the collaborative approach in disseminating important legislative changes across the Commonwealth.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Treasury Regulation under the Audit Acts 1901-1906 applies to the Treasury Regulations concerning the administration and audit of accounts of the Commonwealth of Australia, and it specifically addresses the use of printed receipts for telephone charges. This regulation amends the existing Treasury Regulation No. 34 to allow for the use of printed receipts not bound in books for telephone charges, thereby providing flexibility in the documentation required for these transactions. The regulation applies nationally within the Commonwealth, impacting entities and individuals who handle or audit Commonwealth accounts, particularly those dealing with telephone charges. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this amendment, and it operates as a Provisional Regulation until further notice, potentially subject to future amendments or replacement by a permanent legislative instrument.

Key Provisions

The primary amendment introduced by Statutory Rules 1911, No. 77 under the Audit Acts 1901-1906, pertains to the use of forms of printed receipts for telephone charges, as detailed in Treasury Regulation No. 34 (Section 1). This regulation permits the use of printed receipts that are not bound in books for telephone charges, which is an exception to the usual practice of maintaining bound books for official receipts. The Act imposes specific obligations on parties and entities handling financial transactions within the Commonwealth of Australia. They must ensure that all transactions are documented accurately, with the exception that telephone charges may be recorded using unbound printed receipts. This exception is clearly outlined to streamline the record-keeping process for telephone-related expenditures while maintaining the integrity of the financial documentation. Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation could lead to civil or administrative penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, breaches of similar regulations typically involve fines or other corrective measures to ensure adherence to the stipulated requirements. The severity of the penalty would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. It is essential for entities governed by this Act to be aware of the specific requirements and exceptions to avoid any inadvertent breaches. Regular audits and compliance checks are likely necessary to ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded, with the appropriate documentation being used as per the regulations. The introduction of this Provisional Regulation underscores the importance of flexibility in financial record-keeping practices, allowing for efficient administrative processes while ensuring that the overall integrity of financial documentation is maintained.