STATUTORY RULES.
1918. No. 17.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ACT 1905–1915.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905–1915 to come into operation on and from the 1st day of September, 1917.
Dated this twenty-third day of January, 1918.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
JOSEPH COOK,
Minister of State for the Navy.
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY REGULATIONS 1916.
(Statutory Rules 1916, No. 212, as amended by Statutory Rules 1917, No. 136.)
Amendment.
Regulation 19, paragraph (3).
Add the following immediately after word “copies” in the seventh line:—
“Provided that the Naval Board may authorize the issue of a duplicate or copy of a certificate without charge where it has been shown that the original certificate has been lost or destroyed in circumstances over which the holder had no control”.
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.15972.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1916 were enacted under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905–1915 and came into operation on 1 September 1917. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, with the objective of amending existing regulations to address a specific problem: the loss or destruction of original certificates in circumstances beyond the control of the holder. The policy objective was to provide a practical solution for those who had lost or had their certificates destroyed through no fault of their own, thereby ensuring continuity in the operation of wireless telegraphy services.
These regulations were an amendment to the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1916, introduced to provide greater flexibility and support for the operators and users of wireless telegraphy equipment. The regulation in question allowed the Naval Board to authorize the issuance of a duplicate or copy of a certificate without charge, provided the original certificate had been lost or destroyed under uncontrollable circumstances. This amendment aimed to streamline the process for obtaining necessary documentation, thereby facilitating smoother operations in the rapidly evolving field of wireless telegraphy during the early 20th century.
Scope and Application
The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1916, made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905–1915, apply to any individual or entity engaged in the operation of wireless telegraphy apparatus within the Commonwealth of Australia. This includes the issuance of certificates for such apparatus and the conditions under which these certificates may be issued, amended, or revoked. The Regulations establish a comprehensive framework governing the use, installation, and maintenance of wireless telegraphy equipment, ensuring compliance with national standards and safety requirements. The Regulations also extend to the control of the use of wireless telegraphy apparatus to prevent interference and to protect the integrity of communications. Notably, these Regulations are subject to amendments through subordinate instruments, which can modify existing provisions or introduce new requirements as necessary to adapt to technological advancements and changing regulatory needs. The stated exclusions or exemptions within the Regulations are limited, and any deviations from the standard practices or requirements must be explicitly authorised by the relevant authorities, such as the Naval Board, under specified circumstances.
Key Provisions
The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1916, as amended, provide specific provisions to govern the use and regulation of wireless telegraphy in Australia under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905–1915. The regulations introduce amendments, most notably to Regulation 19, paragraph (3), which addresses the issuance of certificates related to wireless telegraphy equipment. This amendment allows the Naval Board to issue duplicate or replacement certificates without charge if the original has been lost or destroyed under circumstances beyond the control of the certificate holder (Regulation 19(3)). These regulations aim to streamline the process for individuals and entities who have lost their original certificates due to unforeseen events.
The obligations imposed by these regulations primarily concern the holders of wireless telegraphy certificates. These individuals and entities must comply with the stipulated conditions for the issuance of duplicate certificates, ensuring they provide any necessary evidence of loss or destruction to the Naval Board. Additionally, the regulations require adherence to the overall framework established by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905–1915, including proper registration and maintenance of wireless telegraphy equipment and facilities. Any party failing to meet these obligations could face legal repercussions.
Breaches of the regulations may result in various consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905–1915 provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. For instance, operating a wireless telegraphy station without the required certificate or in contravention of the regulations can lead to criminal charges. The maximum penalty for such offences includes fines and imprisonment, as outlined in the primary Act. Additionally, civil penalties may be imposed for less severe infractions, typically in the form of fines, to ensure compliance and the proper functioning of wireless telegraphy in Australia.