War Precautions (Sheepskins) Regulations 1916

Overview

The War Precautions (Sheepskins) Regulations 1916 were enacted under the authority of the War Precautions Act 1914–1916 to address the need for strict regulation of the trade in sheepskins during wartime, ensuring the efficient allocation and sale of these materials for national defence purposes. The regulations were made by the Governor-General in Council, in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to provide a structured framework for the management and distribution of sheepskins, which were critical resources for the production of wool for military use. The policy objective of these regulations was to maintain the integrity of the trade in sheepskins while ensuring that the resultant wool was adequately appraised and utilised for the national war effort.

Scope and Application

The War Precautions (Sheepskins) Regulations 1916 apply throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, regulating the trade in sheepskins during wartime. The Act applies to all persons and entities involved in the trade of sheepskins, including owners, appraisers, and selling brokers. It also extends to the committees appointed for this purpose, with the Central Committee overseeing the administration of the Regulations and State Committees appointed in each State to assist. The Regulations are designed to ensure that the trade in sheepskins is conducted in a manner that aligns with national wartime requirements. The geographic reach of the Act is national, as it applies across the entire Commonwealth. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, although the Act may be subject to alteration or repeal by the Commonwealth Government without any grounds for claim by affected parties. The Regulations are subject to further detail and refinement through subordinate instruments, which may extend or restrict their application.

Key Provisions

• The War Precautions (Sheepskins) Regulations 1916, made under the War Precautions Act 1914–1916, establish the framework for the regulation of the trade in sheepskins during the war. The Regulations require the establishment of a Central Committee and State Committees, which are deemed to be the same as those appointed under the War Precautions (Wool) Regulations 1916 (s 2, s 3). The State Committees may appoint subcommittees to assist with their duties (s 4). The trade in sheepskins is to proceed under normal conditions, subject to specific provisions such as the treatment of sheepskins, the appraisement of resultant wool, and the classification and appraisal of sheepskins (s 5). Existing contracts for the sale of sheepskins may be voidable by the Central Committee, approved by the Prime Minister (s 6). The State Committees are responsible for arranging the appraisement of sheepskin prices, with lists of limits set by the Central Committee (s 7). Appraisers are to be appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Central Committee, and they must be sworn in and operate under strict guidelines (s 8, s 9, s 10). Sellers and appraisers must sign declarations before engaging in their activities, and any false statements or unauthorised actions can lead to offences (s 12). Appraisers are to be compensated based on a percentage of the invoice amount and reimbursed for any expenses (s 13). Existing selling brokers must display and appraise sheepskins as directed by the State Committee and account for sales to the Commonwealth Government (s 14). The Prime Minister can prohibit selling brokers from selling sheepskins (s 15). Appraisers are required to provide returns and reports to the Central Committee (s 16). The Central Committee allots space for sheepskins to each State on an equal basis (s 17). The general policy of the Regulations is to ensure equality of treatment (s 18). The Prime Minister can appoint an arbitrator to resolve disputes (s 19). The Commonwealth Government is entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in administering the Regulations (s 20). The Regulations can be altered or repealed without grounds for claims (s 21).
• The Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved. The Central and State Committees must establish and operate under the terms of the Regulations, including appointing appraisers and arranging for the appraisement of sheepskin prices (s 2, s 3, s 4, s 7, s 8). Appraisers must be appointed by the Prime Minister and operate within the guidelines set out in the Regulations (s 8, s 9, s 10). Selling brokers and appraisers must sign declarations before engaging in their activities and must adhere to the provisions of the Regulations (s 12). Selling brokers must display and appraise sheepskins as directed and account for sales to the Commonwealth Government (s 14). Appraisers must provide returns and reports to the Central Committee (s 16). The Central Committee is responsible for allotting space for sheepskins on an equal basis to each State (s 17).
• Breaches of the Regulations can lead to offences and penalties. Selling brokers and appraisers who make false declarations, sell sheepskins without signing the required declaration, or act outside the scope of their appointments can be guilty of offences (s 12). The Prime Minister can prohibit selling brokers from selling sheepskins, and any contravention of this prohibition is an offence (s 15). The specific penalties for these offences are not detailed in the Regulations.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law

Administrative Law

Instrument

Regulation

Concepts

Delegated & Subordinate Legislation

Offence Provisions

Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

Regulatory Standards