EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1989 NO. 21
ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SCIENCE AND PERSONNEL AIR FORCE REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
The Air Force Regulations (“the Regulations”), made under the Air Force Act 1923, prescribe various matters relating to the organisation and administration of the Air Force.
Regulation 88 prescribes compulsory retirement ages for Air Force officers. Under subregulation 88(1), the prescribed age for Wing Commanders in the General Duties Branch of the Permanent Air Force was 50, while the prescribed age for Wing Commanders in the other branches is 55.
A review of their conditions of service indicated that career prospects for Wing Commanders in the General Duties Branch would be enhanced if the compulsory retirement age of those officers was aligned with that of Wing Commanders in the other branches. This action is also likely to assist in retaining General Duties officers (particularly pilots) in the Air Force.
These Regulations therefore raise the prescribed compulsory retirement age of Wing Commanders in the General Duties Branch to 55. This amendment will not affect voluntary retirements.
The Regulations also contain a savings provision that will protect the interests of certain Wing Commanders who could be disadvantaged by the amendment. Under the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973, members are normally required to complete 20 years service to qualify for pension. However, an officer who retires at the compulsory retiring age with between 15 and 20 years service is eligible for partial benefits. Raising the retiring age for Wing Commanders would disentitle certain officers from their eligibility for this benefit at age 50. The savings provision empowers the Chief of the Air Staff to nominate officers, with their consent, who will retain the existing compulsory retirement age of 50 so as to preserve their present eligibility.
The Regulations commence on the date of gazettal.