Air Force Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Air Force Regulations were amended in 1984 through Statutory Rules issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, pursuant to section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979. These amendments were made to address the need for updating and streamlining the processes around the reimbursement of the costs of uniforms and necessaries for officers and Warrant Officers of the Permanent Air Force, the Air Force Emergency Force, and the Australian Air Force Reserve. Specifically, these changes repeal and omit certain sub-regulations to align with the new Determination 0697, which was made under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903. The objective of these amendments is to ensure that the reimbursement procedures are consistent with current policies and practices, thereby providing clarity and efficiency in the administrative processes related to uniform allowances. The commencement date for these changes is tied to the date of the Determination 0697.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1984 No. 59, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, pertains specifically to amendments of the Air Force Regulations concerning the reimbursement of costs related to uniforms and necessary items for officers and Warrant Officers of the Permanent Air Force, the Air Force Emergency Force, and the Australian Air Force Reserve. These regulations apply to personnel who privately purchase uniforms and required items instead of receiving them as a free issue upon appointment. The changes implemented by these rules repeal and replace existing provisions within the Air Force Regulations, specifically regulation 572, and omit certain sub-regulations within regulations 645B and 648, which have been superseded by Determination 0697, "Outfit Allowance in Lieu of Issues of Uniforms," made under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903. This alteration is effective from the date when Determination 0697 is formally made, thereby updating the regulatory framework for reimbursement in this context.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this Statutory Rule are sections 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979, and regulations 572, 645B and 648 of the Air Force Regulations. Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979 empowers the Minister to make interim determinations that amend or repeal regulations, which are deemed to be Statutory Rules. The Air Force Regulations, specifically regulations 572, 645B and 648, previously provided for the reimbursement of the cost of uniforms and necessary items for officers or Warrant Officers of the Permanent Air Force, Air Force Emergency Force or the Australian Air Force Reserve when they privately purchase these items instead of receiving them as free issue. These Statutory Rules impose the obligation to repeal regulation 572 and omit sub-regulations 645B(2) and 648(2) of the Air Force Regulations, as they have been replaced by Determination 0697, Outfit Allowance in Lieu of Issues of Uniforms, made under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903. The repeal and omission of these regulations take effect from the date when Determination 0697 is made. This transition ensures that the updated allowance determination replaces the previous reimbursement provisions, streamlining the process for officers and Warrant Officers who purchase their uniforms and necessary items privately. Failure to comply with the provisions set out in these Statutory Rules may lead to civil or criminal consequences depending on the context of the breach. However, the specific offences, penalties or consequences are not outlined in the text. Typically, breaches of Defence-related legislation can lead to disciplinary action, fines or other penalties as stipulated by relevant Defence Acts and Regulations. The maximum penalties would be determined in accordance with the specific nature of the breach and the relevant legislative provisions. The repeal and omission of the mentioned regulations by these Statutory Rules signify a significant shift in the reimbursement process for uniforms and necessary items for officers and Warrant Officers in the Air Force. This change is intended to ensure that the updated Determination 0697 provides a more efficient and streamlined process for reimbursement, replacing the previous provisions in the Air Force Regulations.