Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 2)

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of Service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 2) was enacted to address the need for a specific allowance to support Defence personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. This instrument was introduced under the authority of section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of Service. The policy objective is to provide financial assistance to members of the Australian Defence Force who were impacted by the operational demands and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby recognising their service and contribution during this period. The instrument, made by Jessica Helen Cameron, Acting Director Drafting and Engagement, commenced upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. The allowance is payable from 28 February 2024 to eligible members as specified in the schedule of the instrument.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 2) applies to members of the Defence Force who fall within the specific class of members as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Instrument. This Instrument, made by Jessica Helen Cameron, the Acting Director Drafting and Engagement in the Department of Defence, is effective from its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. The allowance is payable to those members who have been assigned one of the specified PMKeyS numbers, which are listed in the Schedule, and the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance commences from 28 February 2024. This Instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and it does not specify any exclusions or exemptions beyond those defined in the Schedule. The application of this Instrument is limited to members of the Defence Force as identified and does not extend to other personnel or entities outside of the Defence Force.

Key Provisions

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 2) provides specific provisions regarding the payment of an allowance to certain Defence members. According to section 4, Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable to members who fall within the class of members specified in Schedule 1 of this Instrument. This allowance is to be paid from 28 February 2024. The class of members is defined by specific PMKeyS numbers listed in Schedule 1, which identifies the eligible members for the allowance. This instrument is made under the authority of section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. The Act imposes obligations on the Department of Defence to ensure that eligible members receive the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance as specified. This includes identifying the members who fall within the class defined in Schedule 1 and ensuring that the allowance is paid from the commencement date of 28 February 2024. The Act also places a responsibility on Defence members who are eligible for the allowance to verify their eligibility based on their PMKeyS number. It is imperative that both the Department of Defence and the eligible members adhere to the conditions outlined in this instrument to facilitate the correct and timely payment of the allowance. Breach of the provisions in this instrument may lead to consequences, although specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed in the text. However, non-compliance with Defence Determinations can generally result in disciplinary action against Defence members and administrative penalties for the Department. The precise nature and extent of these consequences would depend on the Defence Force Discipline Rules and other relevant Defence policies and regulations.