Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Interim Determination under the Defence Amendment Act 1979, issued by the Minister of State for Administrative Services on behalf of the Minister of State for Defence on 6 June 1980, aims to amend the Air Force Regulations concerning allowances payable for authorised journeys. This legislative instrument addresses discrepancies and updates the monetary values of meal allowances for officers within the Australian Defence Force, specifically for Air Commodores and Group Captains, effective from 8 May 1980. The determination ensures that the allowances are reflective of current economic conditions, thereby maintaining equitable compensation for service personnel while on duty.

Scope and Application

This Interim Determination under the Defence Amendment Act 1979 amends the Air Force Regulations, specifically addressing allowances payable in respect of authorised journeys for members of the Air Force. The amendments apply to journeys made on or after 8 May 1980, and the revised allowances pertain to meal costs for Air Commodores or higher-ranked officers and Group Captains or lower-ranked officers, depending on whether the journey is within a capital city or not. The changes to the Air Force Regulations as outlined in this Interim Determination are intended to adjust the financial entitlements for meals during authorised journeys within the Australian Defence Force. The scope of this legislation is confined to the Australian Defence Force, impacting personnel who undertake authorised journeys, and it does not extend to other entities or industries outside the Defence context.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Interim Determination under the Defence Amendment Act 1979, as referenced in section 2, adjust the allowances payable for authorized journeys within the Air Force Regulations. Specifically, section 1(a) replaces the table in sub-regulation (1) of regulation 579, which sets out meal allowances for Air Commodore or any higher rank, and Group Captain or any lower rank, in capital cities and other locations. The new rates are set out in a detailed table, with different amounts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the rank and location. Section 1(b) similarly updates the table in sub-regulation (2), which details the daily allowances for Air Commodore or any higher rank, and Group Captain or any lower rank, again distinguishing between capital city and other locations. Furthermore, section 1(c) and (d) update the amounts in sub-regulation (3) from $5.00 to $5.90, and from $3.90 to $4.30, respectively. Section 2 specifies that these amended regulations apply to authorized journeys made on or after 8 May 1980. The Interim Determination imposes specific obligations on the relevant parties, primarily the members of the Air Force who undertake authorized journeys. These members must adhere to the new allowances specified in the amended Air Force Regulations, particularly regarding meal expenses and daily allowances. The changes require that the updated rates be applied for any authorized journey commencing on or after 8 May 1980. Compliance with these updated rates ensures that the allowances are correctly calculated and paid, thereby maintaining the integrity and fairness of the allowance system within the Air Force. The Interim Determination does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, under the Defence Amendment Act 1979, non-compliance with the regulations governing allowances and authorized journeys could potentially lead to administrative or disciplinary actions within the Air Force. These might include deductions from pay, reprimands, or other corrective measures as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. While the Interim Determination itself does not specify maximum penalties, the overarching legislation and service regulations would provide the framework for addressing any breaches.