Wheat Growers Relief Act 1936

Overview

The Wheat Growers Relief Act 1936 was enacted to provide financial assistance to states in delivering relief to wheat growers affected by economic hardships during the year 1935. This Act was assented to on 20th March 1936 by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary objective of this legislation is to allocate funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to various states for the specified relief measures. These funds are intended to be disbursed in a manner approved by the Minister, following recommendations from the prescribed authority of each respective state. This legislative effort aims to support wheat growers directly affected by the economic downturn of that period, ensuring they receive necessary aid to sustain their livelihoods.

Scope and Application

The Wheat Growers Relief Act 1936 is designed to provide financial assistance to wheat growers who sowed wheat for the production of grain during the year 1935. The Act applies to individuals who directly sowed wheat during that year, as well as their legal personal representatives or trustees if they have since passed away. Additionally, it applies to share-farmers who have sown wheat under a share-farming agreement, with payments divided in accordance with the terms of the agreement or as determined by the prescribed authority. The Act extends to the states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, with specific financial grants allocated to each. A sum is also set aside for wheat growers in the Territory for the Seat of Government, subject to distribution by the Minister. The Act's application may be restricted by the prescribed authority of each state, which can set a closing date for applications. The Governor-General has the authority to make regulations to facilitate the implementation of the Act, provided they are consistent with its provisions.

Key Provisions

The Wheat Growers Relief Act 1936 (sections 1-11) establishes the framework for financial assistance to states to provide relief to wheat growers affected by the challenges of the year 1935. Section 1 names the Act, while Section 2 defines "wheat grower" as any person who sowed wheat for grain in 1935. The Act appropriates funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the payments authorised under the Act (section 3). It grants specific financial assistance to various states, detailing the amounts for each (section 4). Additionally, it allocates a sum for wheat growers in the Territory for the Seat of Government (section 5). The Act mandates that state payments must be used to provide relief to wheat growers as approved by the Minister following recommendations by the prescribed authority (section 6). It also addresses the payment of assistance to legal personal representatives or trustees of deceased wheat growers or trust estates (section 7). Importantly, Section 8 ensures that payments are made only to the wheat grower, subject to Section 7. The Act allows the prescribed authority to set a closing date for applications for assistance (section 9). It also provides for the division of payments under share-farming agreements, either proportionately or as determined by the prescribed authority (section 10). Lastly, Section 11 empowers the Governor-General to make regulations necessary for the Act's implementation. The Wheat Growers Relief Act 1936 imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. States receiving financial assistance must use the funds to provide relief to wheat growers as approved by the Minister, following recommendations by the prescribed authority of the state (section 6). The prescribed authority is responsible for setting a closing date for applications for assistance and may determine the division of payments under share-farming agreements (sections 9 and 10). The Act also places an obligation on the Governor-General to make regulations necessary for carrying out the Act (section 11). Breaches of the Wheat Growers Relief Act 1936 may lead to civil or criminal consequences, although specific offences, penalties, or maximum penalties are not detailed within the provided text. It is likely that penalties would be determined by the regulations made under Section 11 or by other relevant legislation. Generally, failure to comply with the conditions set by the Act, such as misusing funds or not adhering to the approved methods of distributing relief, could result in legal action or other administrative consequences.