Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 12) 2025

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 12) 2025 was enacted to provide financial assistance to specific categories of defence personnel in response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This instrument was developed under the authority of section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and was made by Michael Ian McCulloch, Director of Drafting and Engagement in the Department of Defence. The primary policy objective is to ensure that eligible defence members receive an Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance from 18 June 2025, providing them with financial support during these unprecedented times. This allowance is targeted to assist those members who are assigned certain PMKeyS numbers as specified in Schedule 1 of the instrument. The instrument is set to commence upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation, ensuring that the provisions become effective immediately thereafter.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 12) 2025 applies to certain members within the Australian Defence Force who are assigned specific PMKeyS numbers. This instrument is designed to ensure that eligible members receive the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance from 18 June 2025. It is enacted under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and comes into effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. The allowance is intended to support members who are directly involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The instrument's application is limited to those members specifically identified in Schedule 1 of the instrument, thereby ensuring that only those who meet the specified criteria are eligible for the allowance. This targeted approach allows for precise application of the benefits within the Defence Force.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 12) 2025 (sections 2-4) establish the commencement date of the instrument, its authority, and the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance. Specifically, section 2 states that the instrument commences upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. Section 3 provides that the instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. Section 4 specifies that the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable from 18 June 2025 for members who fall within the class of members identified in Schedule 1. The Act imposes specific obligations on the relevant parties. Section 2 of the instrument mandates that the Defence Determination takes effect from the date of its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. Section 3 confirms the authority under which the instrument is made, ensuring compliance with Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. Section 4 outlines the requirement for the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance, which applies to members specified in Schedule 1. Additionally, Schedule 1 defines the class of members eligible for the allowance by listing the relevant PMKeyS numbers. The Act does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in the Defence Determination could potentially result in administrative or disciplinary actions under Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. The specific consequences for non-compliance would depend on the internal policies and procedures of the Department of Defence and the Defence Force.