War Precautions (Hides) Regulations 1916 (Amendment)

Overview

The War Precautions (Hides) Regulations 1917, introduced by the Governor-General in Council under the War Precautions Act 1914-1916, was enacted to address the urgent needs of the nation during wartime, specifically focusing on the management and regulation of hides. This legislative instrument was designed to ensure the efficient use of resources, particularly in the context of the global conflict, by adapting existing regulations to include local or domestic use alongside military needs. The policy objective was to provide a comprehensive framework that would support the war effort while also accommodating the domestic economy. This statutory rule was issued by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and was published by the Government Printer for the State of Victoria. The regulation was made to come into operation immediately, reflecting the urgency of the situation. The amendment of the War Precautions (Hides) Regulations aimed to balance the demands of the military with the practicalities of local and domestic resource allocation, ensuring that the regulation met the immediate needs of the war while also considering the broader impact on the Australian population.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule, made under the War Precautions Act 1914-1916, pertains specifically to the regulation of hides, and amends the War Precautions (Hides) Regulations to include local or domestic hides within its scope, alongside military hides. The regulation applies to persons or entities involved in the trade or processing of hides, including local and military contexts, thereby extending its reach to cover both civilian and military supply chains for hide-related materials. The regulation is effective throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a consistent application of the rules across all states and territories. There are no explicit exclusions or thresholds stated in this particular regulation; however, the overarching act and subsequent subordinate instruments may provide further clarity or exceptions. This legislative instrument underscores the government's effort to maintain stringent controls over essential materials during wartime, reflecting the broader strategic intent of the War Precautions Act.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1917, No. 85, made under the War Precautions Act 1914-1916, pertain primarily to the amendment of the War Precautions (Hides) Regulations (Statutory Rules 1916, No. 125). Specifically, Regulation 3 is modified by inserting the words "Local or Domestic" after the word "Military" in paragraph (b) (Regulation 3). This amendment broadens the scope of the regulation to include hides intended for local or domestic use, in addition to those intended for military purposes. The obligations imposed by this amendment require that any person or entity dealing with hides ensure compliance with the expanded regulatory framework. This includes adherence to the provisions governing the collection, storage, and transportation of hides, now encompassing both military and local or domestic use. The regulation necessitates that proper documentation and oversight be maintained to ensure that hides are appropriately sourced and handled according to the updated criteria. Breaches of these regulations may lead to both civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the Statutory Rules, under the broader War Precautions Act 1914-1916, offences can attract substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific nature of the breach, the intent behind the violation, and any aggravating factors present. The enforcement of these regulations is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the wartime resource allocation and ensuring that all parties involved comply with the legislative intent.