Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1961, No. 46, under the Air Force Act 1923-1956, were enacted to amend the Air Force Regulations, specifically addressing the rates of travelling allowance for officers of high rank. These regulations were made by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation on 12 January 1961. The primary problem these regulations sought to address was the need to revise and update the financial provisions related to travel allowances for senior officers within the Air Force. This adjustment aimed to ensure that the compensation provided to key personnel, such as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Air Staff, reflects the demands and responsibilities of their roles, particularly during periods of travel away from their usual place of residence.

Scope and Application

The Air Force Regulations, 1961, issued under the authority of the Air Force Act 1923-1956, provide specific provisions regarding the administration and operational aspects of the Australian Air Force. These regulations apply to officers within the Air Force, particularly those in high command roles such as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staffs Committee and the Chief of the Air Staff. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, as they pertain to the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations amend the existing Air Force Regulations by introducing a new sub-regulation concerning the rate of travelling allowance for certain officers. Specifically, sub-regulation (1A) stipulates that officers in the aforementioned high command roles are entitled to a travelling allowance of Six pounds six shillings per day when they are absent from their usual place of residence due to duty at a location other than their permanent station. This amendment is effective from the date specified, 12 January 1961. The regulations do not explicitly outline any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but their application is subject to the broader framework of the Air Force Act 1923-1956 and any subsequent subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation pertain to the amendment of the Air Force Regulations, specifically Regulation 578, which concerns the rates of travelling allowance for certain high-ranking officers. According to the amendment, sub-regulation (1A) has been added to Regulation 578 (section 2). This new sub-regulation states that the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee or the Chief of the Air Staff will receive a travelling allowance of Six pounds six shillings per day if they are absent from their usual place of residence due to duty from their permanent station. This amendment came into operation on 12 January 1961 (section 1). The Act imposes specific obligations on the relevant authorities to ensure that the appropriate travelling allowance is paid to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee or the Chief of the Air Staff when they are on duty and away from their permanent station. This includes adherence to the specified rate of Six pounds six shillings per day, as outlined in the new sub-regulation (1A). The regulation is clear in its requirement that this allowance is subject to the conditions and provisions laid out in the amended Air Force Regulations. There are no explicit provisions within these regulations that outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance. However, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the specified travelling allowance rate could result in administrative or disciplinary action under the broader framework of the Air Force Act 1923-1956. The precise nature of any penalties or consequences would depend on the overarching provisions of that act and any additional regulations or guidelines issued under its authority.