Wool Publicity and Research (Fees and Expenses) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1937 No. 61, made under the Wool Publicity and Research Act 1936, address the need for regulating fees and expenses incurred by members of the Board when they are engaged in official duties outside Australia. Enacted by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations amend the Wool Publicity and Research (Fees and Expenses) Regulations to provide clarity and guidelines on the compensation for travel and daily expenses for Board members conducting business abroad. The policy objective, as implied by these regulations, is to ensure that Board members are appropriately reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses while maintaining the oversight and approval of the Minister, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for the promotion and research of wool industry interests.

Scope and Application

The Wool Publicity and Research Regulations, made under the Wool Publicity and Research Act 1936, specify the fees and expenses incurred by the Chairman or any member or deputy of a member of the Board when engaged in the business of the Board outside Australia. These regulations apply to the Chairman, members, and their deputies who undertake official duties overseas on behalf of the Board. The scope of the regulations encompasses the reimbursement of actual travelling expenses deemed reasonable by the Minister, as well as a daily fee of Three pounds three shillings for each day spent on official business outside Australia. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth, applying specifically to the activities of the Board's representatives in international contexts. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text, although the payment of fees and expenses is subject to the Minister's approval. The regulations do not extend their application through subordinate instruments beyond the stipulations provided within the document.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Wool Publicity and Research (Fees and Expenses) Regulations pertain to the payment of travel expenses and fees for Board members when they are engaged in Board business outside Australia. Specifically, Regulation 5 (paragraph a) allows for the reimbursement of travel expenses that are deemed reasonable by the Minister. Paragraph (b) of the same regulation mandates a daily fee of Three Pounds Three Shillings for each day the Board member is engaged in such business, subject to ministerial approval. The obligations imposed by these regulations are twofold. Firstly, the Board members or their deputies who travel outside Australia for Board business must ensure that any expenses incurred are reasonable and justifiable. Secondly, they must submit these expenses for ministerial approval, which includes the detailed breakdown of travel costs and the daily fee for each day spent on official business. This approval process ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for these activities. In terms of consequences for breach, the regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties. However, any misuse of public funds or failure to adhere to the approval process could potentially lead to disciplinary action, financial recovery, or other administrative consequences as deemed appropriate by the Minister or the Board. It is important to note that while the regulations themselves do not detail maximum penalties, breaches of similar nature in other contexts may attract penalties under the broader framework of the Wool Publicity and Research Act 1936 or other relevant legislation.