Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 4)

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 4) was enacted to address the need for financial support for Defence personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. This instrument, made under section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, aims to provide an Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to specific classes of Defence members identified in Schedule 1. The Allowance is designed to offer financial assistance to those Defence personnel who are most impacted by the pandemic, ensuring that they receive support during this challenging period. The policy objective is to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by Defence members as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognising their service and sacrifices. The instrument was issued by Jessica Cameron, Acting Director of Drafting and Engagement in the Department of Defence, and comes into effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 4) applies to specific members within the Australian Defence Force who are assigned particular PMKeyS numbers, as detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument. This instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and it specifies that the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable from 27 March 2024 to eligible members. The allowance pertains to the Commonwealth jurisdiction and is applicable only to those members who meet the criteria outlined in the Schedule 1. The commencement of this instrument is effective upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation, ensuring its legal enforcement across the relevant defence sector.

Key Provisions

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 4) (section 1) sets out the payment of a specific allowance to certain members of the Defence force. This instrument, made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, becomes effective upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation (section 2). The allowance in question, referred to as the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance, is payable to members who fall within the specified class outlined in Schedule 1 (section 4). This class of members is identified by specific PMKeyS numbers, which are detailed in Schedule 1 (Schedule 1, section 1). The allowance is payable from 27 March 2024 (section 4). The primary obligation of the Defence force, as stipulated by this instrument, is to ensure that eligible members receive the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance as per the conditions outlined in the legislation (section 4). This involves verifying the eligibility of the members based on their PMKeyS numbers and ensuring timely payment of the allowance from the specified date. Breaches of the obligations set out in this instrument may have legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is reasonable to infer that failure to comply with the provisions of this determination could result in legal action under the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. This may include both civil and criminal penalties, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. The Defence force is expected to adhere strictly to the conditions of service as outlined in this instrument to avoid any adverse consequences.