Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1958, No. 54, titled "Regulations under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1950," were enacted by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, on 7 August 1958. These Regulations were introduced to amend the existing Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, specifically updating the power limits for amateur transmitters. The primary objective was to provide more flexibility and efficiency in amateur radio operations by increasing the permissible power output from 100 watts to 150 watts. These Regulations came into operation on 1 July 1958, as notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 14 August 1958.

Scope and Application

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1950, apply to any person or entity engaged in the use of wireless telegraphy in Australia, including amateur radio operators and commercial entities. These regulations cover the technical standards and operational protocols for wireless telegraphy devices, including the maximum power output for amateur transmitters, as amended by these regulations. The regulations have a national reach, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, and they are enforced by the federal government. While the regulations primarily govern the technical aspects of wireless telegraphy, they do not cover other forms of wireless communication unless specifically referenced or amended. The application and enforcement of these regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations, as detailed in Statutory Rules 1958, No. 54, primarily concern the amendment of existing Wireless Telegraphy Regulations. Specifically, Regulation 57(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended to increase the power allowed in amateur transmitters from one hundred to one hundred and fifty watts. This change is significant for amateur radio operators, as it expands the capabilities of their equipment within legal parameters (Regulation 2). These Regulations impose specific obligations on parties involved in the use of amateur wireless telegraphy equipment. For instance, operators must ensure that their equipment complies with the new power limits set out in Regulation 57(1). Additionally, operators are required to adhere to all other provisions of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1950, including licensing and operational standards. The amendment to Regulation 57(1) specifically mandates that any amateur transmitter must not exceed the newly specified power output of one hundred and fifty watts (Regulation 2). Failure to comply with these Regulations could result in civil or criminal consequences. Although the document does not detail specific penalties, breaches of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1950 generally attract penalties as outlined in the Act itself. These could include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. For instance, unauthorised use of wireless telegraphy equipment can lead to substantial penalties, reflecting the importance of adhering to these regulations.