Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1933, No. 136, are regulations enacted under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919 to amend the existing Wireless Telegraphy Regulations. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General, Isaac Alfred Isaacs, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and it aims to provide a specific exemption concerning the issuance of Broadcast Listener’s Licences. The regulation addresses the gap in providing accessible services to blind individuals by allowing free Broadcast Listener’s Licences for those over sixteen years of age, reflecting a policy objective to support and accommodate the needs of visually impaired citizens. The regulation came into effect on the first day of January, 1934, ensuring timely implementation of the amended provisions.

Scope and Application

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1933 No. 136, pertain to the administration and oversight of wireless telegraphy within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations are a subset of the broader framework established under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, and are designed to govern the use, licensing, and technical standards of wireless communication devices. The regulations apply to individuals and entities involved in the use of wireless telegraphy equipment, including broadcasters and listeners, with a specific focus on providing equitable access to broadcast listener's licences for blind persons over the age of sixteen years. This amendment, effective from January 1, 1934, extends the scope of the existing regulatory framework to ensure inclusivity in the provision of broadcasting services. The regulations hold nationwide applicability within Australia, thereby encompassing all states and territories under the Commonwealth jurisdiction. While the primary focus is on wireless telegraphy, the specific regulation concerning free broadcast listener’s licences for blind individuals highlights a targeted exemption within the broader legislative intent.

Key Provisions

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1933, No. 136, introduce a specific provision concerning the granting of Broadcast Listener’s Licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919. Regulation 12(1) is now amended to include a proviso (Regulation 1(1)) that allows a Broadcast Listener’s Licence, or any renewal of such a licence, to be granted free of charge to any blind person who is over the age of sixteen years. This change aims to provide equitable access to wireless communication services for visually impaired individuals. The amendment will take effect on 1 January 1934, as stated in Regulation 1(2). The obligation imposed on relevant authorities under this regulation is to ensure that blind persons over the age of sixteen are not charged for Broadcast Listener’s Licences. This means that any application for a licence by a blind person meeting the age requirement must be processed without the imposition of any fee. Authorities must also maintain records to verify the eligibility of applicants under this provision, ensuring compliance with the new regulatory requirement. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in civil consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed within the statutory rules. It is likely that non-compliance could lead to legal actions or penalties as outlined in the broader Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, which may include fines or other administrative sanctions. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would be governed by the general provisions of the primary Act and any related case law or administrative guidelines.