Australian Military Regulations 1916 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1920, No. 79, are regulations made under the Defence Act 1903-1918 by the Governor-General acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. These regulations, which came into operation immediately upon enactment, amend the Australian Military Regulations of 1916 to update the protocol for rendering honours to members of the British Royal Family and foreign dignitaries. The specific amendments clarify the procedures for presenting arms, lowering colours, and playing the National Anthem during military ceremonies and parades in the presence of various royal persons and foreign heads of state. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure that appropriate military honours are given in a consistent and respectful manner during official events.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 79, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, provide specific amendments to the Australian Military Regulations 1916, detailing the protocols and honours to be accorded to various members of the Royal Family and foreign dignitaries. These regulations apply to military personnel, officials, and any individuals involved in ceremonies or official duties conducted by or in the presence of the Australian Defence Force. The rules are applicable on Commonwealth territory and wherever Australian military regulations are enforced. They outline specific protocols such as the presentation of arms, lowering of colours, and the playing of national anthems or national hymns during salutes. The regulations also specify when the Royal Standard and other personal flags of members of the Royal Family should be hoisted, contingent upon their presence at official events. Subordinate instruments may further extend or clarify these regulations, ensuring their consistent and accurate application across various contexts and scenarios within the Defence Force.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules of 1920, No. 79, issued under the Defence Act 1903-1918, make several amendments to the Australian Military Regulations 1916. Regulation 207 has been modified to include the specific requirements for saluting the King, the Queen, the Queen Mother, the Prince of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family (section 1). Regulation 220 introduces new sub-regulations for the conduct of Guards of Honour when they are mounted for specific members of the Royal Family (section 2). Furthermore, a new regulation 224a is inserted, stipulating the appropriate flags to be flown when members of the Royal Family are present (section 3). These regulations impose specific obligations on military personnel and others involved in ceremonial duties. For instance, Regulation 207 dictates that officers must salute, men must present arms, and bands must play the National Anthem or the first six bars thereof, depending on the member of the Royal Family present. Regulation 220 outlines the conduct of Guards of Honour, requiring them to present arms and lower Colours, with bands playing the appropriate anthem or hymn. Regulation 224a requires that the correct personal standard or flag be flown based on the presence of specific members of the Royal Family. Breaches of these regulations could result in disciplinary action within the military, although the specific civil or criminal consequences are not detailed in the statutory rules. The penalties for such breaches would likely be determined by the Defence Force Discipline Regulations or other relevant military regulations. The exact penalties are not specified within these statutory rules, but they could include fines, imprisonment, or other disciplinary measures depending on the severity of the breach and the relevant military regulations in force at the time.