Australian Military Regulations 1916 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917, No. 151, is a legislative instrument enacted under the Defence Act 1903-1915. This regulation was introduced to address the need for improved record-keeping and accountability for the receipt of moneys, registered postal matter, and important documents within the Department entrusted with such duties. This enactment was made under the authority of the Governor-General in Council, with the Minister of State for Defence, G. F. Pearce, issuing the regulation. The policy objective is to ensure meticulous documentation and verification of the receipt of significant items, thus maintaining transparency and accountability within the department. The regulation is designed to enhance the tracking and management of these materials through the creation of a standardised register, facilitating the recording and signature verification process by authorised officers.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1917, No. 151, made under the Defence Act 1903-1915, pertains to the regulation of the acceptance and recording of deliveries within the Department responsible for defence. This regulation applies specifically to officers and employees of the Department who are entrusted with the duty of receiving moneys, registered postal matter, and important articles and documents such as Board Proceedings. These individuals are required to record the receipt of these items in a designated book and obtain signatures from those who subsequently handle the items. The regulation aims to ensure a systematic and accountable process for the management of such deliveries within the defence sector. The regulation extends its application nationally as part of the Australian Military Regulations 1916, reflecting its importance across the Commonwealth. There are no explicit exclusions or thresholds mentioned in the text, but the regulation's application is limited to the specific context of the defence department’s operations.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Regulation No. 827 of the Australian Military Regulations 1916, as amended by this Statutory Rule, pertain to the recording and receipt of certain items by officers and employees of the Department. Specifically, Section (17) mandates that these individuals must document the receipt of moneys, registered postal matter, and, when deemed necessary, significant articles and documents in a designated book (Section 1). This book must include details such as the date of receipt, the post town of the sender, the registered postal number (if applicable), the addressee, the sender's name, particulars of the item, and the amount (if monetary). Additionally, the book requires signatures from both the person who opened the item and the person who received it (Section 17). The obligations imposed by this legislation are primarily administrative and procedural. Officers and employees of the Department must ensure that they meticulously record all relevant details of the items they receive, including signatures for verification. This requirement aims to maintain an accurate and reliable record of transactions and correspondence handled by the Department. The precise documentation and record-keeping mandated by Section (17) ensures transparency and accountability in the handling of important and potentially sensitive materials. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in this Statutory Rule could result in various civil or administrative consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of such regulations typically lead to disciplinary action against the responsible parties, potential financial penalties, or other corrective measures. The importance of adherence to these regulations lies in the need to safeguard the integrity and security of the materials handled by the Department, thereby preventing any misuse or loss of critical information.