Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 16)

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 16) was enacted to address the financial needs of certain members of the Defence Force arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This instrument, made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, aims to provide a specific allowance to eligible members to assist with the financial pressures faced during the pandemic. The allowance, referred to as Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance, is payable from 25 September 2024 to members who fall within the class specified in Schedule 1 of the instrument. The enactment of this instrument ensures that affected members receive the necessary support to manage the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 16) applies to members of the Australian Defence Force who fall within the specific class of members detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument. This determination is focused on the payment of an Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance, which is applicable to members assigned certain PMKeyS numbers. The instrument, which is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, provides the specific criteria for eligibility and the commencement of the allowance payment. It is a Commonwealth instrument and, upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislation, it will apply nationally across Australia. The instrument does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but it is contingent on the members meeting the specified criteria in Schedule 1. Subordinate instruments may further define or extend the application of this determination as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 16) specifies that the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable to certain members of the Defence Force (section 4). The instrument itself is the legal document that outlines the commencement and authority for this allowance, and it details the class of members eligible for the allowance (Schedule 1). The instrument comes into effect upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation (section 2), and it is made under the authority of section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service (section 3). The obligations imposed by this instrument primarily concern the eligibility of members for the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance. To be eligible, a member must fall within the class of members specified in Schedule 1, which is determined by their PMKeyS numbers. This classification ensures that only eligible members receive the allowance. The instrument mandates that the allowance is payable from 25 September 2024, providing a clear timeline for when the allowance should be disbursed to eligible members. The obligation also extends to ensuring that all eligible members are correctly identified and informed about their entitlement to the allowance. Breach of the provisions within this instrument does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences within the text provided. However, the legal framework under which this instrument operates, the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, may outline penalties for non-compliance with Defence regulations. Typically, breaches of Defence-related regulations could result in administrative actions, including disciplinary measures against Defence personnel or financial penalties. The exact consequences would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the relevant Defence regulations governing such matters.