Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

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Statutory Rules

1978 No. 71

REGULATIONS UNDER THE AIR FORCE ACT 1923*

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

Dated this fifth day of May 1978.

ZELMAN COWEN

Governor-General

By His Excellency’s Command,

D. J. KILLEN

Minister of State for Defence

AMENDMENTS OF THE AIR FORCE REGULATIONS†

Salary of officers

1. (1) Regulation 543 of the Air Force Regulations is repealed.

(2) For the purpose of regulation 7 of, and Schedule 6 to, the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations, where an officer of the chaplains’ branch was serving in that branch immediately before 5 September 1968, the service of the officer before that date in any of the classifications of Chaplain Fourth Class, Chaplain Third Class, Chaplain Second Class or Chaplain First Class shall be deemed to be service in the rank of Chaplain.

Further amendments of the Air Force Regulations

2. The Air Force Regulations are amended as set out in the Schedule.

SCHEDULE Regulation 2.

Provision	Amendment
Sub-regulation 4 (1).......	Omit the definition of “ the Act ”, substitute:—
	“ ‘ the Act ’ means the Air Force Act 1923;”.
	Omit the definition of “the Defence Act”, substitute:—
	“ ‘ the Defence Act ’ means the Defence Act 1903;”.
	Omit the definition of “the Naval Defence Act”, substitute:—
	“ ‘ the Naval Defence Act ’ means the Naval Defence Act 1910;”.
Sub-regulation 4 (2).......	Omit “ the ” (last occurring).
Sub-regulation 10 (3)......	Omit from paragraph (b) “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.

* Notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 10 May 1978.

† Statutory Rules 1927, No. 161 as amended to date. For previous amendments of the Air Force Regulations see footnote † to Statutory Rules 1978, No. 23 and see also Statutory Rules 1978, Nos. 23 and 61.

SCHEDULE—continued

Provision	Amendment
Regulation 11..............	Omit from paragraph (g) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 13A.............	Omit “ Evidence Act 1905–1973 and section 6 of the Rules Publication Act 1903–1973 ”, substitute “ Evidence Act 1905 and section 6 of the Rules Publication Act 1903 ”.
Regulation 32..............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 48A (2)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 92A (2)........	Omit.
Sub-regulation 94 (1).........	Omit “ the ” (last occurring).
Sub-regulation 95 (1).........	Omit “ the ” (second occurring).
Regulation 101.............	Omit all sub-regulations before sub-regulation (2), substitute:—
	“ (1) The ranks held by airmen shall be as follows:—
	(a) Warrant Officer;
	(b) Flight Sergeant;
	(c) Sergeant;
	(d) Corporal;
	(e) Leading Aircraftman;
	(f) Aircraftman;
	(g) Air Cadet;
	(h) Cadet Aircrew;
	(i) Aircraftman (Recruit);
	(j) Airman Apprentice.
	“ (1a) Airmen who hold a rank specified in paragraph (1) (e), (f) or (i) are men in ranks.”.
Sub-regulation 129A (11).......	Omit “ as in force at that time ”.
Sub-regulation 134 (3).........	Omit “ an Australian ”, substitute “ a Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 151 (1).........	Omit “ sub-regulation ” (last occurring).
Sub-regulation 151 (2).........	Omit “ sub-regulation ” (last occurring).
Regulation 152.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 152C (1)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 152C (5)........	Omit from paragraph (a) “ an Australian ”, substitute “ a Commonwealth ”.
	Omit from paragraph (ab) “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
	Omit from paragraph (b) “ (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of sub-regulation (1) of this regulation ”, substitute “ (1) (a), (1) (b), (1) (c), (1) (d) or (1) (e) ”.
	Omit from sub-paragraph (b) (i) “ an Australian ”, substitute “ a Commonwealth ”.
	Omit from sub-paragraph (b) (ii) “ of this regulation ”. Omit from sub-paragraph (b) (ii) “ an Australian ”, substitute “ a Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 152c (6)........	Omit from sub-paragraph (b) (ii) “ Public Service Act 1922–1953 ”, substitute “ Public Service Act 1922 ”.
	Omit from sub-paragraph (b) (iv) “ an Australian ”, substitute “ a Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 152c (6A).......	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 417 (2).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1) ”.
Sub-regulation 421 (1).........	Omit “ two ”, substitute “ 2”.

SCHEDULE—continued

Provision	Amendment
Sub-regulation 424 (5).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (4) ”.
Regulation 511.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (1).........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (5).........	Omit from paragraph (b) “ Australia”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (6).........	Omit “ Air Board ”, substitute “ Chief of the Air Staff ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (7).........	Omit from paragraph (c) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (8).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (7) ”.
	Omit from paragraph (c) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (9).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (10)........	Omit from paragraph (a) “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 515 (11)........	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 523 (1).........	Omit “ An officer ”, substitute “ Where an officer ”.
Sub-regulation 523 (2).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1) ”.
Sub-regulation 527 (1).........	Omit from the definition of “ Australia ” the words “ of Australia ”.
Sub-regulation 527 (2).........	Omit from paragraph (a) “ Defence Act 1903–1970 ”, substitute “ Defence Act ”.
Sub-regulation 530 (1).........	Omit “ the next succeeding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1a) ”.
Sub-regulation 530 (3).........	Omit “ Australian ”, substitute “ Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 530 (5).........	Omit “ (c) or (d), as the case may be, of the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ (4) (c) or (d) ”.
Sub-regulation 530 (6).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (5) ”.
	Omit “, or of that Act as amended from time to time ” (wherever occurring).
Sub-regulation 531 (2).........	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 531 (7).........	Omit “ Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act 1930-1959, or the Repatriation Act 1920-1960 ”, substitute “ Compensation (Commonwealth Government Employees) Act 1971, the Repatriation Act 1920, the Repatriation (Far East Strategic Reserve) Act 1956 or the Repatriation (Special Overseas Service) Act 1962 ”.
Sub-regulation 532A (2)........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1) ”.
Sub-regulation 534 (1).........	Omit “ of these Regulations ”.
Sub-regulation 534 (3).........	Omit “ of these Regulations ”.
	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 534A (1)........	Omit from the definition of “ recreation leave ” the words “ of these Regulations ”.

SCHEDULE—continued

Provision	Amendment
Sub-regulation 534A (2)........	Omit “ Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, the ”, substitute “ The ”.
Sub-regulation 534A (4)........	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 534B (1)........	Omit “ of these Regulations ”.
Sub-regulation 534B (2)........	Omit from paragraph (a) “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 534B (3)........	Omit “ (a) of the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ (2) (a) ”.
Sub-regulation 534B (4)........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 534c (1)........	Omit “ the last two preceding regulations ”, substitute “ regulations 534a and 534b ”.
	Omit from paragraph (a) “ (4) of regulation 122 of these Regulations ”, substitute “ 122 (4) ”.
Sub-regulation 534c (2)........	Omit “ (5a) of regulation 122 of these Regulations ”, substitute “ 122 (5a) ”.
	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1) ”.
Regulation 535.............	Omit “ subsequent to the ”, substitute “ subsequent to ”.
Sub-regulation 537 (1).........	Omit “ the next succeeding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (2) ”.
Regulation 538A.............	Omit “ (2) of regulation 534, or sub-regulation (4) of regulation 534a, of these Regulations, regulation 151 of these Regulations ”, substitute “ 534 (3) or 534a (4), regulation 151 ”.
	Omit “ (1) of regulation 151 ”, substitute “ 151 (1) ”.
	Omit “ (4) of regulation 149 or under sub-regulation (4) of regulation 150 ”, substitute “ 149 (4) or 150 (4) ”.
	Omit “ either of those first-mentioned sub-regulations ”, substitute “ sub-regulation 534 (3) or 534a (4) ”.
Sub-regulation 541 (2).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1) ”.
	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 542 (1).........	Omit “ of these Regulations ”.
Sub-regulation 542 (2).........	Omit “ the last preceding regulation ”, substitute “ regulation 541 ”.
Sub-regulation 542A (3)........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (2) ”.
Sub-regulation 542A (6)........	Omit “ (a), (b) and (c) of the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ (5) (a), (b) and (c) ”.
	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ” (last occurring), substitute “ sub-regulation (5) ”.
Sub-regulation 542A (7)........	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 549B (6)........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (5) ”.
Sub-regulation 556J (4)........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (3) ”.
Sub-regulation 568 (3).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (2) ”.
	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.

SCHEDULE—continued

Provision	Amendment
Sub-regulation 569 (5).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 570A.............	Omit “ (3) of regulation 569 or regulation 570 of these Regulations ”, substitute “ 569 (3) or regulation 570 ”.
Sub-regulation 571 (1).........	Omit from paragraph (c) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 571D (1)........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 571E (1)........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 571F (1)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 572 (1).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 572 (2).........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 573A.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
	Omit “ of these Regulations ”.
Regulation 574.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 575.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 575A.............	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 600.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 605 (2).........	Omit “ Australia ” (last occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 605 (3).........	Omit “ Australia ” (last occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 607.............	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 608 (1).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 608 (2).........	Omit from paragraph (b) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 614 (1).........	Omit from paragraph (a) of the definition of “ district allowance locality ” the words “ Commonwealth Public Service ”, substitute “ Australian Public Service ”.
	Omit from paragraph (b) of the definition of “ district allowance locality ” the words “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 614 (4b)........	Omit from paragraph (b) “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 614 (5).........	Omit “ the next succeeding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (6) ”.
Sub-regulation 614 (9).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
	Omit “ applicable to a ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ applicable to an ”.
Sub-regulation 617 (1).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.

SCHEDULE—continued

Provision	Amendment
Sub-regulation 617A (1)........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 617A (2)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 617A (3)........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 628 (4).........	Omit “ Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act 1930 or the Repatriation Act 1920 or of those Acts as amended from time to time ”, substitute “ Compensation (Commonwealth Government Employees) Act 1971, the Repatriation Act 1920, the Repatriation (Far East Strategic Reserve) Act 1956 or the Repatriation (Special Overseas Service) Act 1962 ”.
Sub-regulation 630 (1).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Regulation 631.............	Omit “ Australia ” (last occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 632A (1)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 632A (2)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 634 (2A)........	Omit from sub-paragraph (b) (i) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 634 (2b)........	Omit from paragraph (a) “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 634 (2f)........	Omit from paragraph (a) “ Australia ” (wherever occurring) substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 634 (4).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 636 (2).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (1) ”.
Sub-regulation 645b (1)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 645b (2)........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 646 (3A)........	Omit “ of this regulation ”.
Sub-regulation 648 (1).........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 648 (2).........	Omit “ Australia ”, substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 648 (2A)........	Omit “ Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ the Commonwealth ”.
Sub-regulation 648 (4).........	Omit “ the last preceding sub-regulation ”, substitute “ sub-regulation (3) ”.
Sub-regulation 664 (1).........	Omit “ Public Works Committee Act 1969–1972 ”, substitute “ Public Works Committee Act 1969 ”.
Heading “ THE SCHEDULES ” preceding Schedule 1	Repeal.

SCHEDULE—continued

Provision	Amendment
Schedule 1................	Omit from Form 3 “ of Australia ” (wherever occurring).
	Omit from Form 3a “ of Australia ” (wherever occurring).
	Omit from Form 14 “ Governor-General of Australia ”, substitute “ Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia ”.
	Omit from Form 18 “ Governor-General of Australia ”, substitute “ Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia ”.
	Omit from Form 21 “ Governor-General of Australia ”, substitute “Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia ”.
	Omit from Form 35 “of Australia ” (wherever occurring), substitute “ of the Commonwealth of Australia ”.

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1978 No. 71, titled "Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923," were enacted to amend and update the existing Air Force Regulations, which were originally established under the Air Force Act 1923. The regulations address the need for a modernised framework to manage the administrative and operational aspects of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). These regulations were made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to ensure consistency and alignment with current legislative standards and practices. The policy objective behind these amendments is to streamline and clarify the legal structure governing the RAAF, ensuring it remains effective and efficient in fulfilling its mandate.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1978 No. 71, being Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923, apply to officers and airmen of the Royal Australian Air Force, as well as to the conduct and transactions associated with the governance and administration of the Air Force. These regulations cover the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting the federal jurisdiction under which the Air Force operates. The regulations are broad in scope, encompassing amendments to definitions, ranks, and various administrative provisions, while ensuring consistency with other relevant federal legislation. Notably, the regulations replace references to "Australia" with "the Commonwealth" to clarify the jurisdictional reach. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text, but the application may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments or subsequent amendments.

Key Provisions

The primary provisions of the Statutory Rules 1978 No. 71 involve amendments to the Air Force Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923. Regulation 543, which concerns the salary of officers, is repealed, and the service of officers in the chaplains’ branch prior to 5 September 1968 is deemed to be service in the rank of Chaplain for certain purposes. Additionally, several definitions and references within the regulations are updated to reflect changes in terminology and references to laws, such as substituting "the Commonwealth" for "Australia" and updating references to various Acts. The ranks held by airmen are also specified in a new sub-regulation. These amendments impose specific obligations on the entities governed by the Air Force Regulations. They must adhere to the new definitions and terminologies as stipulated in the regulations, ensuring consistency and compliance with the updated legal framework. For example, the updated definitions require that any references to "Australia" be changed to "the Commonwealth," and references to various Acts must be updated to reflect current legislation. The legislation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within the provided text. However, it is common for breaches of military regulations to result in disciplinary actions, which could include administrative penalties, demotions, or even discharge from service, depending on the severity of the breach. These consequences would be determined by the applicable military laws and regulations.

Area of Law: Administrative Law
Instrument: Regulation
Concepts: Definitions & Interpretation; Repeal & Amendment; Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

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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.

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