Multiple instruments identified in Appendix 1-New and continuing matters [2013] AUSStaCSDLM 313 (4 December 2013)

• Multiple instruments identified in Appendix 1

Multiple instruments identified in Appendix 1

The committee notes that 199 instruments, identified by an asterisk (*) in Appendix 1, appear to rely on subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, which provides that the power to make an instrument includes the power to vary or revoke the instrument. If that is the case, the committee considers that it would be preferable for the ES for any such instrument to identify the relevance of subsection 33(3), in the interests of promoting the clarity and intelligibility of the instrument to anticipated users. The committee notes and agrees with the views of the First Parliamentary Counsel (FPC) in relation to subsection 33(3), and thanks the FPC for his correspondence on this matter (see Appendix 3). The committee therefore draws this issue to the attention of ministers and instrument-makers responsible for the instruments identified in Appendix 1. The committee provides the following example of a form of words which may be included in an ES where subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 is relevant:

Under subsection 33 (3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, where an Act confers a power to make, grant or issue any instrument of a legislative or administrative character (including rules, regulations or by-laws), the power shall be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like conditions (if any) to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend, or vary any such instrument.