Waterside Workers Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Transport Workers (Waterside Workers Regulations) Amendment Regulations 1931, enacted by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Isaac Isaacs, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, were introduced to amend the existing Waterside Workers Regulations. These amendments aimed to address the specific needs of returned soldiers and sailors by recognising their status in the hiring processes and documentation associated with waterside work, thus ensuring that they receive preferential treatment as defined by the Waterside Employment Regulations. This legislative instrument was intended to offer support and recognition to those who had served their country, aligning with the broader policy objectives of acknowledging and assisting veterans in their transition back to civilian employment.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Transport Workers Act 1928-1929, specifically the Waterside Workers Regulations, apply to waterside workers, including members of the Waterside Workers Federation of Australia and returned soldiers or returned sailors as defined in the Waterside Employment Regulations. These regulations govern the conduct and transactions related to waterside workers, ensuring compliance with the broader objectives of the Transport Workers Act. They extend across the Commonwealth, meaning they have a national jurisdictional reach. The regulations amend the Schedule to the Waterside Workers Regulations by adding specific categories of workers to relevant forms, thereby extending the application of the Act to these additional groups. Any exclusions or exemptions are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they would typically be defined in the subordinate instruments or other relevant legislation. The regulations are made pursuant to the authority granted by the Transport Workers Act 1928-1929 and are designed to come into operation immediately upon issuance.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of these regulations under the Transport Workers Act 1928-1929 involve amendments to the Schedule of the Waterside Workers Regulations, specifically to Form TW.1 and Form TW.3. Section 1 amends Form TW.1 by adding a new sub-paragraph (a) to include "a member of the Waterside Workers Federation of Australia" and "a returned soldier or returned sailor as defined in regulation 2 of the Waterside Employment Regulations". Similarly, Section 2 amends Form TW.3 by inserting a new sub-paragraph (e) and modifying the margin to include the phrase "strike out words that do not apply". These amendments impose specific obligations on the parties governed by the Act. The regulations require that individuals who are members of the Waterside Workers Federation of Australia, as well as returned soldiers or sailors as defined, be included in the relevant forms. This means that employers and the workers themselves must ensure that these details are accurately recorded and reflected in the documentation. The inclusion of these categories signifies the importance of recognising certain groups within the workforce and ensuring their rights and protections are upheld. There are no explicit references to offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within the provided text of the statutory rules. However, it is common for regulatory frameworks to have associated penalties for non-compliance. Typically, failure to adhere to such regulations could result in fines, legal action, or other administrative penalties. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would generally be outlined in the main Act or in additional regulations not provided in this excerpt. It is advisable to consult the full Transport Workers Act 1928-1929 or seek legal counsel for precise information on potential sanctions.