23Variations of amounts specified in Schedules

23 Variations of amounts specified in Schedules

(1) Where a State satisfies the Minister that the amount specified in a Schedule, being a Schedule the number of which is specified in column 1 of the table in this subsection, in relation to a State is greater than the amount that the State has been, or will be, able to expend, in accordance with this Act, in the year to which this Act applies, for the purpose applicable to the amount under the provision specified in column 2 of that table opposite to the number of that Schedule, the Minister may direct that the amount so specified in that Schedule shall be deemed to be reduced by such amount as is specified by the Minister in the direction.

(2) Where the Minister gives a direction under subsection (1) with respect to an amount specified in a Schedule in relation to a State, the Minister may, subject to subsection (3), direct that such other amounts specified in Schedules (other than Schedule 5) in relation to the State shall be deemed to be increased or reduced by such specified amounts as the Minister considers necessary in consequence of that direction. (3) A direction shall not be given under subsection (2) in relation to a State if the direction could result in the State becoming liable to repay an amount to the Commonwealth under this Act. (4) A direction or directions shall not be given under subsection (2) in relation to a State in consequence of the giving of a direction under subsection (1) if the combined effect of the proposed direction or proposed directions under subsection (2) and the direction under subsection (1) would be that the sum of the amounts available for payment to the State by way of financial assistance under this Act would exceed the sum of the amounts set out in relation to the State in the Schedules (other than Schedule 5). (5) Where a direction is given under subsection (1) or (2), this Act (other than subsection (4) of this section) has effect as if the amount or amounts referred to in the direction, being an amount or amounts specified in a Schedule or Schedules, had been reduced or increased, as the case may be, in accordance with the direction.