Army (Canteens Service) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1953 No. 23, made under the Defence Act 1903-1952, was introduced to amend the Army (Canteens Service) Regulations with a specific focus on the disposal of profits from the Army Canteens Service. Enacted by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the regulation aims to provide financial assistance to members and former members of the Military Forces, their dependents, and those who incur medical and surgical expenses. The policy objective behind this regulation is to ensure that profits and surplus funds from the Army Canteens Service are directed towards supporting the welfare of military personnel and their families, thereby addressing a need for financial aid related to medical and other associated costs.

Scope and Application

The regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1952 pertains to the Army (Canteens Service) and specifically amends Regulation 21 to address the disposal of profits. The regulation applies to the Board of the Army Canteens Service, which is responsible for managing the canteens within the Australian Defence Force. This amendment allows the Military Board to direct the Board to allocate sums from the profits and surplus funds of the Army Canteens Service to specific persons, determined by the Military Board. These funds are intended for various purposes, including the establishment and administration of societies that provide financial assistance to current and former military members, their dependents, and those who incur medical expenses related to military service. The regulation extends its application to the Commonwealth of Australia and is part of the overarching framework established by the Defence Act 1903-1952. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in the regulation itself, but its implementation and enforcement are subject to the broader provisions of the Defence Act and any other relevant legislation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this regulation pertain to the amendment of Regulation 21 under the Army (Canteens Service) Regulations (section 1). Specifically, it involves the alteration of the financial disposition of profits from the Army Canteens Service. The amendment includes the removal of a specific word from sub-regulation (1)(b) and the addition of a new paragraph (ba) (section 1(a) and (b)). This new paragraph allows the Military Board to direct the Board to pay sums from the profits and surplus funds of the Army Canteens Service to individuals or entities determined by the Military Board. These payments are to be applied towards the expenses of establishing, registering, administering, and operating a society that provides financial assistance to current and former members of the Military Forces, those employed or formerly employed in military installations, and their dependants. Additionally, these funds can be used to cover expenses related to medical and surgical treatment, and the provision of comforts, appliances, and requisites related to such treatment. The obligations imposed by this regulation on the relevant parties include the requirement for the Military Board to determine who will receive payments from the Army Canteens Service's profits and surplus funds. These payments must be used for specific purposes approved by the Military Board, such as the establishment, registration, administration, and operation of a society, and for the provision of financial assistance and medical-related expenses as outlined. The Military Board is also responsible for approving the terms and conditions under which these payments are made. Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation could result in various consequences depending on the nature of the breach. While the regulation itself does not explicitly state penalties or consequences for non-compliance, breaches of regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1952 can generally lead to civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties might include fines, while criminal penalties could result in imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature of the breach and other relevant laws, but they could potentially include significant fines or imprisonment terms, depending on the severity of the violation.