Treaty of Peace (Bulgaria) Act 1947

Treaty of Peace (Bulgaria) Act 1947

This short Act does one core thing: it gives Australia's formal parliamentary stamp of approval to the Treaty of Peace with Bulgaria, which was signed in Paris on 10 February 1947 — a post-World War II peace settlement between the Allied nations and Bulgaria.

Who is affected?

• At the time of enactment, this legislation applied to all Australians and all Australian Territories, including the Territory of New Guinea (which was then under Australian administration).
• It had broader international significance as part of Australia fulfilling its obligations as a signatory to the peace treaty.

What does it actually do?

• Approves the Treaty: Parliament formally endorses the Treaty of Peace with Bulgaria, meaning Australia recognises and commits to its terms.
• Grants broad executive power: It hands significant power to the Governor-General (in practice, the Federal Executive Council and the government of the day) to make regulations — essentially, detailed rules — needed to implement the treaty. This includes the power to create criminal offences, with penalties of fines or imprisonment, for anyone who breaches those regulations.
• Applies nationwide: The Act explicitly extends to every Australian Territory, leaving no gaps in geographic coverage.