Newsprint Control Ordinance, 1971

This 1971 Ordinance regulates the storage, distribution, acquisition and use of newsprint, the paper used to print newspapers, reflecting a period when the government tightly controlled the press's supply chain. It has since been referenced by the Validation of Laws Act, 1975 and later amendment ordinances, so current details should be checked against the official text. Section 2 makes the Ordinance override the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977 and any other conflicting law.

Section 4 bars anyone, without prior written Federal Government permission, from using newsprint to print a newspaper started after the Ordinance's commencement, from using more newsprint than the government has prescribed for an existing newspaper, or from using newsprint for anything other than a newspaper, such as books, pamphlets or posters. Section 5 lets the government designate 'approved dealers'; once designated, a dealer cannot sell newsprint to anyone except another approved dealer or a person permitted to use it under Section 4, without government permission, and the government can also direct a dealer to sell a set quantity to a specified person.

Section 6 lets the government fix a maximum price for newsprint, which may vary by locality, variety or origin, and bars buying or selling above that price. Sections 7 and 8 require dealers, stockholders and importers to declare their newsprint stock or imported quantities within seven days. Section 10 gives the government power to demand information, bars tampering with or destroying relevant records, and allows authorised officers to inspect records and search and seize newsprint at premises suspected of violations. Section 11 sets the penalty for any contravention of the Ordinance at imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine, or both.