Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 7)

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 7) was enacted to address the need for financial support for Defence personnel involved in the COVID-19 response operations. This instrument, dated 6 May 2024, is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, by Jessica Cameron, Acting Director, Drafting and Engagement, Department of Defence. The primary objective of this instrument is to ensure that eligible Defence members receive the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance, which is payable from 8 May 2024 to those members who are assigned specific PMKeyS numbers as outlined in Schedule 1. The commencement of this instrument is effective upon its 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. 7) applies specifically to members of the Australian Defence Force who fall within the designated class of members as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Instrument. This determination is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. The instrument establishes the eligibility criteria for members based on their PMKeyS numbers and sets the commencement date for the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance, which is effective from 8 May 2024. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this instrument is limited to members of the Australian Defence Force and does not extend beyond the Defence Force or its members. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within the text of the Instrument itself, although any further details or exceptions might be found in subordinate instruments or additional Defence Force regulations.

Key Provisions

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument 2024 (No. 7) introduces a new allowance for certain Defence members in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Section 4 of this Instrument, the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable from 8 May 2024 to members who fall within the class specified in Schedule 1. This allowance is intended to provide financial support to members who have been affected by the pandemic. Members who qualify for this allowance are identified by specific PMKeyS numbers, which are outlined in Schedule 1 of the Instrument. The allowance is designed to assist those Defence members who have been significantly impacted by the operational and logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby recognising their additional efforts and sacrifices during these unprecedented times. The Instrument imposes clear obligations on the Defence Department to ensure that eligible members receive the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance as specified. The Defence Department must verify the eligibility of members based on the PMKeyS numbers provided in Schedule 1 and process the payments accordingly. This requirement ensures that the allowance reaches the intended recipients in a timely and efficient manner. While the Instrument does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance, any breach of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, under which this Instrument is made, could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or other legal repercussions. The Defence Force Discipline Regulations 1988 and other relevant legislation might apply, depending on the nature and severity of any breach. However, the primary focus of this Instrument is on providing clear guidelines for the payment of the allowance to eligible members rather than detailing punitive measures for non-compliance.