Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1965 No. 166, enacted under the Air Force Act 1923-1965, aims to amend the Air Force Regulations, specifically addressing issues related to travel allowances, rates of pay, and incidental expenses for members of the Air Force on duty. This legislative instrument was made by the Governor-General in Council, as per the authority granted by the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure that members of the Air Force are appropriately compensated for their travel expenses and service-related benefits, thereby maintaining fairness and consistency in allowances across different ranks and circumstances. The policy objective behind these amendments is to provide clarity and uniformity in the application of allowances, which is crucial for the efficient functioning of the Air Force and the welfare of its members. These regulations, which came into effect on various dates starting from 13 April 1965, specifically address the payment of travel allowances for members travelling together for a common purpose, the provision of allowances for incidental expenses incurred while on duty, and adjustments to rates of pay and allowances for members of the Citizen Air Force. By refining these aspects, the regulations seek to ensure that all members receive equitable treatment in accordance with their service conditions and the nature of their duties. The amendments are intended to align the Air Force Regulations more closely with current operational requirements and to provide better support to members who are away from their permanent stations on duty.

Scope and Application

The Air Force Regulations 1965, made under the Air Force Act 1923-1965, govern various aspects of the Australian Defence Force, specifically the Royal Australian Air Force. These regulations apply to members of the Air Force, including both permanent and citizen forces, and dictate matters such as rates of pay, allowances, and other benefits for members serving in different capacities. The regulations cover transactions and conduct related to duty travel and allowances, as well as the calculation of service length for pay and benefits purposes. The geographic reach of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting Air Force members nationwide. Notably, the regulations exclude certain categories of service, such as short-term or non-continuous service, from eligibility for specific benefits unless explicitly stated. The application of these regulations can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the Air Board, allowing for adjustments to rates and conditions as necessary.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument pertain to adjustments to the Air Force Regulations under the Air Force Act 1923-1965. Firstly, sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 579 is amended to determine that when two or more members of the Air Force travel together on duty for a common purpose and are entitled to a travelling allowance at the rate for a place other than a capital city, the rate of allowance is to be the rate for the rank of the most senior member of the party (sub-regulation 1(1)). Secondly, sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 591 is amended to allow for the payment of an allowance to cover incidental expenses incurred by a member while on duty away from their permanent station, if rations and quarters are available (sub-regulation 2(1)). The regulations as amended apply to travelling allowance paid or payable from 13 April 1965 and to absence on duty from 8 December 1964. These regulations impose several obligations and requirements on the parties governed by them. Air Force members travelling on duty for a common purpose must ensure they are entitled to the travelling allowance rate for the most senior member, as per sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 579. Members who are absent on duty from their permanent station and for whom rations and quarters are available may be entitled to an allowance for incidental expenses, as per sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 591. The Air Board is responsible for determining the rates at which these allowances are paid. Additionally, the amendments to Regulations 646 and 647 involve the calculation of length of service and the application of certain allowances and benefits, which must now consider service in ranks outside the Citizen Air Force, effective from 8 March 1965. The legislative instrument does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, any failure to comply with these regulations could potentially lead to disputes over entitlements and allowances, which might be subject to review and correction by the Air Board. Given the nature of these regulations, the primary consequence of non-compliance would likely be financial discrepancies rather than criminal or civil penalties.