Defence Committee Regulations

Overview

The Defence Committee Regulations, 1929, were introduced to establish a cohesive advisory and consultative body to support the Minister for Defence in formulating and maintaining a unified Defence policy. This legislation was enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Defence Act 1903-1927, the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, and the Air Force Act 1923. The overarching policy objective of these regulations was to ensure effective coordination among the Naval, Military, and Air Services, addressing the need for a streamlined approach to Defence policy and operations. The Defence Committee was designed to act as a technical link between the various Defence Boards and the Minister, providing expert advice on Defence policy, inter-service coordination, financial requirements, and other pertinent matters affecting the Defence establishment.

Scope and Application

The Defence Committee Regulations, established under the Defence Act 1903-1927, the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, and the Air Force Act 1923, form a legislative instrument aimed at enhancing the coordination and advisory functions of the Defence Committee within the Australian Defence framework. These regulations outline the Defence Committee's role as an advisory and consultative body tasked with advising the Minister on Defence policy, the coordination of operations and financial requirements among the Naval, Military, and Air Services, and the integration of civil aviation with Defence needs. The Committee consists of the Chiefs of the Naval, Military, and Air Staffs, along with an officer from the Department of Defence's Secretariat, with provisions for representation in the absence of any Chief of Staff. The regulations also allow for the formation of sub-committees to delve into specific matters and mandate the keeping of meeting minutes. Decisions made by the Minister following Defence Committee advice are to be communicated to the Secretary of the Defence Committee and the relevant Service Boards. The regulations clarify the scope of application to entities and individuals involved in Defence operations and policy, with the intention of ensuring a unified Defence approach across all services.

Key Provisions

The Defence Committee Regulations (C1929L00026) establish the Defence Committee as an advisory and consultative body to the Minister, tasked with providing advice on Defence policy and ensuring coordination between the Naval, Military, and Air Services (section 2). The Committee's functions include advising on Defence policy as a whole, coordinating operations and financial requirements of the Naval, Military, and Air Boards, and ensuring civil aviation aligns with Defence requirements (section 3). The Committee is composed of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the General Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, and an officer from the Department of Defence Secretariat appointed by the Minister (section 4(1)). In cases of absence, the Chiefs of Staff may be represented by the Second Member of their respective Boards, and the Controller General of Munitions Supply and the Controller of Civil Aviation will be consulted on relevant matters (section 4(2)-(4)). The Senior Officer of the three Services acts as the Chairman of the Committee (section 5). The Regulations outline the procedural aspects of the Committee's operation, stipulating that meetings are to be convened by the Chairman or, in their absence, the most senior Chief of Staff present (section 6). A quorum for meetings requires at least three Service members, with no more than one being the Second Member of a Service Board (section 6). Minutes of all meetings must be kept (section 7). The Committee is responsible for investigating and advising on matters referred by the Minister, those arising from its functions, and those referred by the Service Boards (section 8). Any matter affecting more than one Service, recommended by a Service Board for the Minister's decision, must be submitted through the Defence Committee (section 9). The Committee can also appoint sub-committees to investigate matters arising from its functions (section 10). Decisions of the Minister, based on the Committee's advice, are communicated to the Secretary of the Defence Committee and the Service Boards by the Secretary of the Department of Defence (section 11). The Secretary to the Defence Committee is appointed by the Minister (section 12). The Regulations impose obligations on the Defence Committee and the Service Boards to ensure effective coordination and communication. The Committee must provide comprehensive advice on Defence policy and coordinate operations and financial requirements across the Services. The Service Boards must submit matters affecting more than one Service through the Defence Committee. Additionally, the Committee must consult with relevant controllers and maintain minutes of its meetings. Failure to adhere to these obligations may result in inadequate coordination and ineffective Defence policy implementation. The Regulations also repeal previous Air Council Regulations (section 13), indicating a restructuring or consolidation of advisory bodies within Defence.