Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1957

Overview

The Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1957 was enacted to amend the provisions of the Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1948–1955, thereby updating the financial allocation for water supply projects in Western Australia. This Act was assented to on 20th November 1957 by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary objective of this legislation was to increase the appropriation amount for water supply projects in Western Australia, reflecting the changing needs and priorities of the region. By amending the Principal Act, this legislation allows for an increased financial commitment to support critical water supply infrastructure and initiatives in the state.

Scope and Application

The Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1957 applies to the appropriation and amendment of the grant related to water supply in Western Australia, specifically amending the Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1948–1955. The Act, which received Royal Assent on 20th November, 1957, increases the amount of the grant from £4,000,000 to £5,000,000 and modifies the basis of payments as outlined in the Principal Act. This legislation impacts entities and persons involved in the administration and allocation of water supply grants in Western Australia, as well as those who receive funding under the terms of the grant. Its geographic reach is confined to Western Australia, making it a state-specific law. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but it is assumed that its application is governed by the conditions and criteria set forth in the Principal Act and any subsequent amendments or subordinate instruments. The scope of the Act is limited to the appropriation and amendment of the specified grant, with no indication of broader application or restrictions beyond these parameters.

Key Provisions

The Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1957, as amended, primarily alters the Western Australia Grant (Water Supply) Act 1948–1955. This amendment, detailed in section 3, increases the appropriation amount from £4,000,000 to £5,000,000 for the water supply grant, thus allowing for more significant financial support to be provided. Section 4 of the Principal Act is further amended by removing subsection (2), streamlining the basis of payments and potentially simplifying the process by which these payments are made. Under the Act, the government and relevant authorities are obligated to ensure that the appropriated funds are used efficiently and effectively for water supply projects in Western Australia. This includes the responsibility to oversee the allocation of the increased grant, as specified in the amendment, to ensure that the funds reach the intended recipients and are applied to projects that improve water supply infrastructure and services. Furthermore, the Act mandates the preparation of reports and audits to provide transparency and accountability for the use of these funds, ensuring that they are used for their intended purposes. Breach of the provisions set forth in the Act can lead to various legal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the excerpt, it is common for legislative breaches in Australia to result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the breach. Civil penalties might include fines, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment. The maximum penalties would be determined by the specific nature of the breach and would be in line with other relevant legislation governing public funds and government grants.