Wool Research Act 1960

Overview

The Wool Research Act 1960, enacted on 8th December 1960, is a legislative amendment to the Wool Research Act 1957. This Act was introduced by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to refine the governance structure of wool research in the country. The 1960 Act made specific changes to the composition of the Wool Research Committee by replacing the Australian Woolgrowers’ Council with the Australian Woolgrowers’ and Graziers’ Council. Additionally, it ensured that any individual who held office as a member of the Wool Research Committee under the previous act would continue to do so, now appointed by the new Council. This amendment aimed to better reflect the interests of both woolgrowers and graziers in the research efforts, thus enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of wool research initiatives.

Scope and Application

The Wool Research Act 1960 amends the Wool Research Act 1957 to enhance the framework for wool research within Australia. The Act applies to the members of the Wool Research Committee, specifically replacing the Australian Woolgrowers’ Council with the Australian Woolgrowers’ and Graziers’ Council, thereby broadening the representation on the Committee. This change is intended to encompass a wider scope of interests within the wool industry, including graziers, alongside woolgrowers. The Act has a national reach, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. The amendment does not introduce any new exclusions or exemptions, but it does refine the composition of the Wool Research Committee, ensuring continuity for members appointed under the previous Act. The Act’s operation commences on the day of receiving Royal Assent, and it includes a saving provision that ensures existing members of the Committee retain their positions during the transition to the new structure.

Key Provisions

The Wool Research Act 1960 primarily serves to amend the Wool Research Act 1957, as indicated by its short title and citation in Section 1. This Act is referred to as the Wool Research Act 1957-1960 when considered with the amendments made by this Act. Section 2 specifies that the Act comes into operation on the day it receives Royal Assent. This means that the changes and new provisions of the 1960 Act become effective immediately upon the Queen’s approval. In terms of specific changes, Section 3 of the Principal Act is amended by omitting subsection (4), while Section 12 is modified to replace the term "Australian Woolgrowers’ Council" with "Australian Woolgrowers’ and Graziers’ Council" in paragraph (c) of subsection (1). This adjustment reflects a broader scope for the Wool Research Committee by including graziers in its membership. Section 5 ensures continuity in the tenure of individuals who were members of the Wool Research Committee under the previous Act, stipulating that such members will continue to hold office during the Minister's pleasure and will be deemed appointed by the new organisation, the Australian Woolgrowers’ and Graziers’ Council. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act primarily concern the composition and functioning of the Wool Research Committee. Members of this committee, now including representatives from the Australian Woolgrowers’ and Graziers’ Council, are expected to contribute to the research and development efforts in the wool industry. These members must adhere to the directives and decisions made by the Minister, who has the authority to appoint and dismiss them. This ensures that the committee remains effective and aligned with the government’s objectives for wool research. Regarding breaches and consequences, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance within its text. However, given the nature of the amendments and the roles defined, any failure to adhere to the Minister's directives or improper conduct by committee members could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or removal from office. The precise legal repercussions would depend on broader administrative laws and ministerial powers in place at the time of any alleged breach.