Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1973 No. 98, Regulations Under the Air Force Act 1923-1965, were enacted to amend existing regulations governing the Australian Air Force. These regulations were introduced to address specific gaps and inconsistencies within the Air Force Regulations, particularly in areas concerning rations, quarters, allowances, and the application of certain provisions to officers in receipt of active pay at a consolidated rate. The regulations were made by the Governor-General in Council, under the authority granted by the Air Force Act 1923-1965. The policy objective behind these amendments is to streamline and modernise the administrative framework of the Air Force, ensuring that allowances and benefits are accurately applied to officers based on their current pay structures and ranks.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1973 No. 98, made under the Air Force Act 1923-1965, amends various provisions within the Air Force Regulations to refine the governance and administration of the Royal Australian Air Force. These regulations apply to military personnel within the Australian Defence Force, specifically targeting officers who are in receipt of active pay at a consolidated rate. The scope of these amendments encompasses adjustments to allowances, rations, quarters, and other benefits applicable to these officers. Geographically, the regulations extend across the Commonwealth of Australia, applying to all military personnel within the jurisdiction of the Australian federal government. The regulations do not explicitly state exclusions but implicitly exclude officers not receiving active pay at a consolidated rate from certain allowances and benefits specified in the amended regulations. The Act allows for further specification and refinement of these provisions through subordinate instruments, ensuring the regulations remain adaptable to changing military policies and personnel requirements.

Key Provisions

The statutory rules under the Air Force Act 1923-1965, particularly those set out in Statutory Rules 1973 No. 98, bring about specific amendments to the Air Force Regulations. Regulation 2 is amended to correct a reference, substituting "Regulations 565-571H" for "Regulations 565-571g" in Division 5 regarding rations, quarters and allowances in lieu thereof (section 1). Regulation 65 is amended to include the medical branch within its scope and to remove sub-regulation (5) (section 2). Furthermore, Regulation 542c is repealed and replaced with a new regulation that specifies certain allowances and regulations that do not apply to officers in receipt of active pay at a consolidated rate (section 3). A new regulation, 571h, is introduced to provide allowances payable to officers in receipt of active pay at a consolidated rate (section 4). Lastly, Regulation 636 is amended to remove the word "Permanent" from sub-regulation (1) (section 5). These amendments impose specific obligations and requirements on the Air Force personnel governed by the regulations. Officers in receipt of active pay at a consolidated rate are subject to certain regulations that are not applicable to them, as specified in the new Regulation 542c (section 3). Conversely, Regulation 571h sets out allowances that are applicable to officers who hold the rank of Air Vice Marshal or a lower rank and are in receipt of active pay at a consolidated rate (section 4). These regulations define the financial entitlements and obligations for these officers, ensuring that they are compensated appropriately. Violation of these regulations could lead to various consequences. While the statutory rules do not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences, breaches of military regulations generally may result in disciplinary action, which can include fines, demotion, or other punitive measures as determined by the Air Force disciplinary framework. The severity of the penalty would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as the rank and circumstances of the officer involved.