STATUTORY RULES.
1922. No. 37.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS’ REPATRIATION ACT 1920.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act 1920, to come into operation as from the first day of July, 1920.
Dated this twenty-seventh day of February, 1922.
FORSTER,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. D. MILLEN,
Minister of State for Repatriation.
Amendment of Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Regulations 1920.
(Statutory Rules 1920, No. 112, as amended to this date.)
After regulation 181 of the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Regulations 1920 the following regulation is inserted:—
Special allowance to trainees for work.
“181a. The Commission may authorize the payment of special allowances to soldiers for work performed by them in any Medical Institution or place approved by the Commission whilst undergoing training and treatment therein.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
The Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Regulations 1922, as a statutory instrument, were enacted under the authority of the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act 1920. This Act, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, was introduced to address the specific needs of Australian soldiers returning from service, particularly in the aftermath of World War I. The problem it sought to address was the inadequate support and rehabilitation processes for soldiers who returned home with injuries or disabilities, necessitating comprehensive and structured assistance. The policy objective of the Act is to provide a framework for the repatriation and ongoing support of soldiers, including medical treatment, pensions, and vocational training, thereby ensuring they receive the care and assistance necessary for their recovery and reintegration into civilian life.
These Regulations, specifically inserted after regulation 181, introduce a provision allowing the Repatriation Commission to authorise special allowances for soldiers who perform work while undergoing training and treatment in approved medical institutions. This addition aims to support the rehabilitation process by encouraging active participation in work during recovery, thereby facilitating both physical and psychological healing. The intent is to ensure that the benefits provided under the Act are sufficiently comprehensive to support soldiers’ recovery and reintegration, reflecting a broader commitment to their welfare and future well-being.
Scope and Application
The Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act 1920, as amended by the Statutory Rules 1922, No. 37, extends to all individuals who are eligible under the Act, specifically targeting soldiers who are undergoing training and treatment in approved medical institutions. The Act applies nationally, covering all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation introduced by these rules provides an allowance for soldiers who perform work in these institutions, with the intention of supporting them during their rehabilitation process. The allowances are at the discretion of the Commission, which is empowered to authorize payments for work performed by soldiers in approved settings. This regulation underscores the commitment of the Commonwealth to support the ongoing care and reintegration of soldiers into civilian life. The Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions within its text, though the conditions for allowance payments are subject to the Commission’s discretion, which may imply certain eligibility criteria not explicitly stated in the legislation itself.
Key Provisions
The main operative section of this legislative instrument, inserted as regulation 181a, allows the Commission to authorise the payment of special allowances to soldiers for work they perform in approved medical institutions or places while they are undergoing training and treatment there. This regulation provides a financial incentive for soldiers to engage in work activities as part of their rehabilitation process.
The obligations imposed by this regulation on the parties involved primarily concern the Commission, which has the authority to decide whether to grant these special allowances. The Commission must ensure that the work performed by the soldiers is beneficial to their training and treatment and is carried out in environments approved by the Commission. This regulation aims to support soldiers in their recovery by encouraging them to participate in productive activities, which can aid in their physical and psychological rehabilitation.
The legislation does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance with this regulation. However, it is reasonable to infer that any misuse of the allowances or failure to adhere to the conditions set by the Commission could result in disciplinary actions or other consequences as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. While the regulation itself does not specify maximum penalties, breaches of other related provisions within the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act 1920 could lead to civil or criminal consequences, depending on the severity and nature of the breach.