Multiple instruments that appear to rely on subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 -Continuing matters [2014] AUSStaCSDLM 217 (26 November 2014)

• Multiple instruments that appear to rely on subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901

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Continuing matters

Multiple instruments that appear to rely on subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901

The committee has identified a number of instruments that 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 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 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.^[1]

The committee therefore draws this issue to the attention of ministers and instrument-makers responsible for the following instruments:

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 50/00 – Front Fog Lamps) 2006 Amendment 2 [F2014L01364]

Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities (Indirect Tax Concession Scheme) Amendment Determination 2014 (No. 1) [F2014L01394]

Radiocommunications (Charges) Amendment Determination 2014 (No. 1) [F2014L01406]

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^[1] For more extensive comment on this issue, see Delegated legislation monitor No. 8 of 2013, p. 511.