Wine Overseas Marketing (Fees and Expenses) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Wine Overseas Marketing (Fees and Expenses) Regulations 1932 were enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Wine Overseas Marketing Act 1929-1930. These regulations were introduced to address the need for updated and specific guidelines regarding the fees and allowances for the Chairman and members of the Board involved in wine marketing activities overseas. The amendments to the existing regulations were aimed at providing clarity and adjusting the compensation structure to account for the changing economic conditions, as referenced by the Financial Emergency Act 1931. The objective of these amendments was to ensure that the fees and allowances were aligned with the economic climate and effectively supported the ongoing operations of the Board.

Scope and Application

The Wine Overseas Marketing Act 1929-1939 primarily governs the marketing of Australian wines overseas, with these statutory rules serving to amend existing regulations under the Act. These amendments particularly address the fees and allowances to be paid to the Chairman and members of the Wine Overseas Marketing Board. The amendments establish specific rates for attendance at meetings, daily allowances for board business, and travelling expenses for meetings held outside the board member's state of residence. Furthermore, the amendments ensure that all fees and allowances prescribed by these regulations are subject to the Financial Emergency Act 1931, which allows for reductions in these fees and allowances in times of financial emergency. These regulations apply to all members and deputies of the Wine Overseas Marketing Board and extend to any meetings and business activities undertaken outside the state of residence of the board members, thereby encompassing the entire Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Wine Overseas Marketing (Fees and Expenses) Regulations, as amended, set out specific provisions regarding the fees and allowances for the Chairman, members, and deputies of the Board. Regulation 2 adds that the Chairman and each member or deputy of a member of the Board shall receive a fee of Two guineas for each meeting of the Executive Committee, regardless of the duration of the meeting (sub-regulation 2). It also states that they shall receive Four guineas per diem for each day spent on Board business, excluding days when they attend a meeting of the Board or its Executive Committee (sub-regulation 3). Sub-regulation 4 specifies that these provisions will take effect from August 18, 1930. Regulation 3 replaces the previous regulation with new provisions for travelling expenses, whereby the Chairman and members or deputies of the Board receive a travelling allowance of Two pounds per diem for meetings or business within fifteen miles of their residence, and Two and one half guineas per diem for those outside their home state (sub-regulation 3(a) and (b)). They are also entitled to reimbursement of actual rail and steamer fares for attending such meetings or engaging in the specified business (sub-regulation 3(b)). This amendment comes into force on August 1, 1931. Additionally, Regulation 4 introduces a new provision that all fees and allowances prescribed by these Regulations after the commencement of Part II of the Financial Emergency Act 1931 shall be subject to reductions made under that Act, as if those fees or allowances had been prescribed prior to the commencement of that Part (sub-regulation 4). These Regulations impose specific obligations on the Chairman and members or deputies of the Board under the Wine Overseas Marketing Act 1929-1930. They must receive the stipulated fees and allowances for attendance at Board and Executive Committee meetings and for their engagement in Board business, excluding days when they attend such meetings. The Chairman and members or deputies must also be reimbursed for their actual travel expenses when attending meetings or engaging in Board business outside their home state. These financial provisions are subject to any reductions that may be made under the Financial Emergency Act 1931, meaning that the fees and allowances could be reduced in accordance with the provisions of that Act. The Regulations do not explicitly outline any offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, the enforcement of these financial provisions would likely depend on the broader framework established by the Wine Overseas Marketing Act 1929-1930 and other relevant legislation. Non-compliance with the financial obligations set out in these Regulations could potentially lead to disputes over unpaid fees and allowances, or other financial irregularities, which may be subject to resolution through administrative or judicial processes. The exact consequences would depend on the specific circumstances and the applicable legal provisions at the time.