EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1985 NO. 116
ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AIR FORCE COURTS OF INQUIRY REGULATIONS (REPEAL)
Formerly the three arms of the Defence Force had separate legislative provisions to govern the conduct of service inquiries into matters arising in a service, such as accidents or suspected misconduct. All 3 services had provision for intermediate and lower level inquiries but only the Air Force, through the Air Force Courts of Inquiry Regulations, had provision for a court of inquiry presided over by a judge with full powers to examine service and civilian witnesses.
The existing provisions have now been replaced by the new Defence (Inquiry) Regulations which apply to all 3 arms of the Defence Force.
As a consequence of the introduction of the Defence (Inquiry) Regulations, the Air Force Courts of Inquiry Regulations are redundant, and are repealed by this Statutory Rule.
Commencement
The Regulations will come into operation on 3 July 1985.