Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

Administered by Department of Defence

Legislation au F1997B00586 Regulations Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

STATUTORY RULES.

1963. No. 114.

––––––––––

REGULATIONS UNDER THE AIR FORCE ACT 1923-1956.*

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923-1956.

Dated this thirty-first day of October, 1963.

DE L’ISLE

Governor-General.

By His Excellencys Command,

(Sgd.) DAVID FAIRBAIRN

Minister of State for Air.

––––––––

Amendments of the Air Force Regulations.†

Parts.

1. Regulation 2 of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting the words—

Part V.—Leave of Absence (other than Leave of Absence for Long Service)—Regulations 120-132.

and inserting in their stead the words—

Part V.—Leave of Absence (other than Leave of Absence for Long Service)—Regulations 120-135..

Definitions.

2. Regulation 4 of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting from the definition of the Rules of Procedure in sub-regulation (1.) the words ,or any rules in substitution for them.

Application of Rules of Procedure.

3. Regulation 13 of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting from sub-regulation (1.) the words in like manner as they apply to the Royal Air Force.

Age for enlistment.

4. Regulation 93 of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting the word eighteen and inserting in its stead the word seventeen.

 

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 1st November, 1963.

Statutory Rules 1927, No. 161, as amended to date. For previous amendments of the Air Force Regulations, see footnote † to Statutory Rules 1963, No. 63; and see also Statutory Rules 1963, Nos. 64, 76 and 91.

10855.—Price 5d. 12/8.10.1963.


Part V.

5. Part V. of the Air Force Regulations is repealed and the following Part inserted in its stead:—

“Part V.—Leave of Absence (other than Leave of Absence for Long Service).

Definitions.

120. In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears—

flying member means a member who has the qualifications required by the Air Board for flying members;

member means a member on continuous full-time air force service;

holiday means—

(a) the first day of January (New Years Day);

(b) the twenty-sixth day of January (Australia Day);

(c) Good Friday;

(d) the Monday following Good Friday;

(e) the twenty-fifth day of April (Anzac Day);

(f) Christmas Day;

(g) the twenty-sixth day of December (Boxing Day);

(h) any day determined by the Air Board to be observed as a holiday in lieu of any of the days specified in the preceding paragraphs;

(i) the day that the Air Board determines to be the day for the observance of the anniversary of the birthday of the Sovereign; and

(j) any other day, or part of any other day, determined by the Air Board to be a holiday in an Air Force establishment;

recreation leave means leave of absence for recreation;

year means a period of twelve months ending on the thirtieth day of June.

Air Board or commanding officer may grant leave.

121. Leave of absence under this Part may be granted by the Air Board or, subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines, by the commanding officer.

Recreation leave—basis for granting leave and time of eligibility for grant.

122.—(1.) A flying member may be granted in respect of each year of his service recreation leave for such period, not exceeding twenty-five days (not including a Saturday, Sunday and holiday), as the Air Board determines having regard to the flying hours or exercises completed by the flying member in that year.

(2.) A member, other than a flying member, may be granted in respect of each year of his service recreation leave for a period not exceeding fifteen days (not including a Saturday, Sunday or holiday).

(3.) Where a member has served in a locality specified by the Air Board to be a remote locality, the member may be granted an additional period of recreation leave not exceeding ten days (not including a Saturday, Sunday or holiday) in respect of a year served in the locality.

(4.) Subject to regulation 125, a member is not eligible for the grant of recreation leave in respect of his service in a year until the expiration of that year.

(5.) Where the period for which a member has served in a year, or the period for which a member has served in a remote locality in a year, is less than twelve months, the period of recreation leave or the additional period of recreation leave that may be granted to the member in respect of his service in that year or his service in that locality, as the case may be, is a period that bears to whichever of the periods of recreation leave specified in sub-regulations (1.), (2.) and (3.) of this regulation is applicable in relation to the member the same proportion as the number of months for which the member served in that year or in that locality, as the case may be, bears to twelve.

(6.) For the purpose of this regulation, a member shall not be deemed to have served—

(a) in a period (other than the first month of that period) during which he is—

(i) on leave of absence without pay; or

(ii) on leave of absence for long service; or

(b) in a period during which he is—

(i) a deserter;

(ii) absent without leave; or

(iii) lawfully imprisoned or undergoing detention.

Eligibility for recreation leave ceases after a year.

123.—(1.) Subject to the next succeeding regulation, a member ceases to be eligible for the grant of recreation leave in respect of his service in a year, unless he is granted and takes the leave on or before the thirtieth day of June next succeeding the expiration of that year.

(2.) For the purpose of this regulation, a period of recreation leave that commences in one year and finishes in the next year shall be deemed to have been taken before the thirtieth day of June in the former year.

Recreation leave may be carries forward.

124.—(1.) The Air Board may—

(a) if it is impracticable to grant to a member recreation leave, in respect of his service in a year, on or before the thirtieth day of June next succeeding the expiration of that year; or

(b) for any other reason that it thinks sufficient,

permit the member to take that recreation leave in the next succeeding year in addition to any other leave for which he may become eligible in that year.

(2.) A member stationed in a locality that is declared to be a remote locality by the Air Board may be granted recreation leave, for the grant of which he has become eligible, within such period as the Air Board determines in the two years next succeeding the year in respect of which he became eligible for the grant of that recreation leave.

Recreation leave in advance.

125. Notwithstanding sub-regulation (4.) of regulation 122 but subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines, recreation leave in respect of past service may be granted in advance of the time prescribed in that sub-regulation.

Sickness while on recreation leave.

126. A member who becomes ill or suffers a disability while on recreation leave may be granted additional recreation leave equivalent to the period of illness or disability falling within the first-mentioned recreation leave, subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines.

Recreation leave for extra duties.

127. A member who is required to perform extra duties outside and in addition to his usual hours of duty or on a holiday may be granted additional recreation leave for such periods and subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines.

Certain members not subject to regulations 121 to 127.

128.—(1.) Regulations 121 to 127 (inclusive) do not apply to a member who is—

(a) with the approval of the Air Board, undergoing a full-time course of training at a university or technical college;

(b) a junior equipment and administrative trainee undergoing his first year of training;

(c) an air cadet;

(d) an airman apprentice; or

(e) on loan to or on exchange duty with the Naval or Military Forces of the Commonwealth or with any other naval, military or air force.

(2.) A member referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation may be granted recreation leave for such periods and subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines.

Pre-embarkation leave.

129. Subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines, a member posted for service in a locality outside Australia approved by the Air Board may be granted pre-embarkation leave of absence not exceeding seven days (including a Saturday, Sunday and holiday).

Compassionate leave.

130. Subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines, a member may be granted compassionate leave of absence not exceeding in a year seven days (including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays).

Travelling leave.

131. A member who is granted recreation, compassionate or pre-embarkation leave of absence may be granted additional leave of absence for travelling for such periods and subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines.

Unit leave.

132. Subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines, unit leave of absence may be granted to members on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Leave for examination purposes.

133 Subject to such conditions as the Air Board determines, a member may be granted leave of absence not exceeding in a year five days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) for the purpose of attending examinations approved by the Air Board.

Leave without pay.

134.—(1.) A member may be granted leave of absence without pay for a period not exceeding twelve months on such conditions as the Air Board thinks fit.

(2.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, leave of absence granted under this regulation shall not, except where the period of the leave does not exceed three months, be included in the period of service of a member for the purposes of grant of rank on retirement, medals or decorations, or long service leave.

(3.) The period during which a member is granted leave of absence under this regulation to pursue a course of study under a Commonwealth scheme of vocational training is continuous full-time service for the purpose of a grant of long service leave.

(4.) The continuity of service of a member shall be deemed not to be broken by a period of leave of absence granted under this regulation.

In the public interest Air Force establishments may be kept open and attendance required on public holidays.

135. The Minister or the Air Board may in the public interest require any Air Force establishment to be kept open for the whole or a part of a holiday and may require the attendance and services of any member during a holiday..

Meaning of “pay” in regulations 149 and 150.

6. Regulation 152b of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting paragraphs (j) and (k) of sub-regulation (1.) and inserting in their stead the following paragraphs:—

(j) flight pay;

(k) the allowance payable under regulation 554; and

(l) higher duty allowance to the extent approved by the Air Board..

Meaning of period of service in regulations 149 and 150.

7. Regulation 152c of the Air Force Regulations is amended—

(a) by omitting sub-paragraph (iv) of paragraph (d) of sub-regulation (4.) and inserting in its stead the following subparagraph:—

(iv) any other law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory of the Commonwealth which provides for the grant of leave of absence for furlough or long service leave; or;

(b) by omitting paragraph (e) of sub-regulation (4.); and

(c) by omitting sub-paragraph (iii) of paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (6.) and inserting in its stead the following subparagraph:—

(iii) in pursuance of regulation 134 for a period not exceeding three months; or.


Commencement of sentences.

8. Regulation 414 of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (4.) and inserting in its stead the following sub-regulation:—

(4.) A sentence of discharge or discharge with ignominy awarded to an airman by a court-martial takes effect—

(a) if it is conjoined with a sentence of detention—on completion of the sentence of detention; and

(b) in any other case—on the day of its promulgation..

Member on leave without pay.

9. Regulation 627 of the Air Force Regulations is amended by omitting the figures 616 and inserting in their stead the figures 617.

––––––––––––––[

By Authority: A. J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.

Overview

The Air Force Regulations 1963 were enacted to amend existing provisions under the Air Force Act 1923-1956. These amendments were made by the Governor-General in Council, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council, to address various aspects of military service administration within the Royal Australian Air Force. The policy objectives of these amendments include ensuring that regulations reflect current practices and requirements, providing clarity in definitions, and updating the age for enlistment to align with broader defence policies. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of military governance, while also ensuring fair treatment and appropriate entitlements for service members. These Regulations modernise the administrative framework governing leave entitlements, eligibility criteria, and the conditions under which various types of leave may be granted. They also introduce provisions for compassionate leave and address specific scenarios such as service in remote localities and extra duties. By providing detailed guidelines on the types of leave available, the Regulations ensure that service members' needs are met in a structured and equitable manner, facilitating better operational readiness and personal well-being within the Air Force.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923-1956 apply to members of the Australian Air Force, governing their entitlements and obligations, including the conditions under which various forms of leave can be granted, as well as other operational and procedural matters. The Act pertains to all members serving in the Air Force, including both flying and non-flying members, as well as those on various forms of leave or training. The scope of the Act extends to the Commonwealth of Australia, and its regulations are applicable nationwide. Notably, the Act does not extend to members on leave of absence for long service, as specified in the exclusions. The Act can be further defined or modified through subordinate instruments, as evidenced by the amendments made to various regulations concerning leave, pay, and service periods. For instance, Regulation 121 allows the Air Board or commanding officer to grant leave of absence, while Regulation 122 specifies the conditions under which recreation leave can be granted, and Regulation 134 provides for leave without pay. These regulations are subject to change and can be amended as necessary to adapt to evolving circumstances within the Air Force.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923-1956 (the Regulations) primarily revolve around amendments to the Air Force Regulations. These amendments cover various aspects including leave of absence, definitions, age for enlistment, and other procedural and administrative updates. For instance, Regulation 2 amends Part V of the Air Force Regulations, changing the reference from "Regulations 120-132" to "Regulations 120-135." Regulation 4 alters the minimum enlistment age from eighteen to seventeen. Furthermore, Regulation 13 removes a specific reference to the Royal Air Force in the application of rules of procedure. The Regulations impose several obligations on parties governed by them, primarily focusing on the administrative and operational aspects of the Air Force. The Air Board or the commanding officer is granted the authority to grant leave of absence under Part V, subject to certain conditions. For example, flying members and other members are eligible for recreation leave based on their service duration and specific conditions set by the Air Board. The Air Board also has the discretion to permit members to carry forward their recreation leave to the next year if it is impracticable to grant the leave within the specified timeframe. Additionally, the Regulations outline specific holidays and circumstances under which members may be granted leave, such as compassionate leave or pre-embarkation leave for service outside Australia. Breach of these Regulations can result in various civil or criminal consequences, although specific penalties are not detailed within the Regulations themselves. Generally, the Air Board retains the authority to impose conditions and determine the eligibility and terms of leave, and failure to comply with these terms could lead to administrative or disciplinary actions. Furthermore, the Regulations mandate that Air Force establishments may be required to remain open and that members may be required to attend during public holidays if deemed necessary in the public interest. Non-compliance with such directives could result in further disciplinary measures as per the overarching Air Force Act. These Regulations collectively aim to streamline and clarify the administrative processes within the Air Force, ensuring that the leave policies and service conditions are well-defined and consistently applied.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Administrative Law
Instrument
Regulation
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Regulatory Standards
Licensing & Registration
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.