Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 20)

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 20) was enacted to address the need for financial support for specific members of the Australian Defence Force in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This instrument, made by the Director of Drafting and Engagement, Michael Ian McCulloch, under section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, aims to provide the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible members starting from 4 December 2024. The allowance is payable to members who fall within the specified class of members detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument. The commencement of this instrument is set for the date of its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation, ensuring timely implementation of the policy objective to support affected Defence Force personnel.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 20) applies to members of the Australian Defence Force who fall within the class of members specified in Schedule 1. This instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and it outlines the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible members from 4 December 2024. The instrument commences on registration on the Federal Register of Legislation and is a federal instrument that applies throughout Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions, and the application of the allowance is restricted to members assigned specific PMKeyS numbers detailed in the Schedule. Any further extension or restriction of the application of this instrument may be made through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 20) sets forth the provisions for the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to specific Defence members. According to section 4, the allowance is payable from 4 December 2024 to members who fall within the class specified in Schedule 1 of the instrument. This instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. The allowance is intended to support members in their duties related to Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, ensuring they receive appropriate financial support during their service. The obligations imposed by this instrument primarily concern the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible Defence members. The class of members eligible for this allowance is defined in Schedule 1, which includes members assigned specific PMKeyS numbers. The Defence force is required to ensure that these members are identified and that the allowance is disbursed as stipulated from 4 December 2024. This involves administrative processes to verify eligibility and timely payment of the allowance to the entitled members. Breaches of the requirements set forth in this instrument could result in various consequences. While the instrument does not explicitly detail offences or penalties, failure to comply with the provisions for the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance could potentially lead to legal or administrative repercussions. Defence members who are eligible for the allowance but do not receive it due to non-compliance by the Defence force might seek redress through internal Defence grievance mechanisms or legal action. Additionally, Defence personnel responsible for the oversight of these payments could face disciplinary action for failing to adhere to the conditions of service stipulated by this instrument.