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

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 19) 2025 was enacted to address the need for financial support for certain Defence personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorised by the Director Drafting and Engagement under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, this instrument aims to provide an Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible members starting from 8 October 2025. The allowance is specifically designated for Defence personnel assigned particular PMKeyS numbers, as detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument. The introduction of this allowance seeks to mitigate financial strain on Defence members who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. This notifiable instrument, made by Michael Ian McCulloch, Director Drafting and Engagement, and dated 7 October 2025, will come 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 (No. 19) 2025 applies to members of the Australian Defence Force who are assigned specific PMKeyS numbers, as outlined in Schedule 1. This notifiable instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and it establishes the terms for the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible members. The instrument commences upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. The allowance is payable from 8 October 2025, and its payment is contingent on the member's assignment to the specified PMKeyS numbers. This instrument provides a clear delineation of the conditions under which the allowance will be disbursed, ensuring that only those who meet the specified criteria are eligible for this support.

Key Provisions

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 19) 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the "Instrument") establishes the conditions under which the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable to specific members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). According to section 4 of the Instrument, this allowance becomes payable from 8 October 2025 for members who are assigned certain PMKeyS numbers as outlined in Schedule 1 (section 1). The Instrument is made under section 4.12.4 of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, and it comes into effect upon its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation (section 2). Members who fall within the specified class outlined in Schedule 1, identified by specific PMKeyS numbers, are entitled to receive the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance as per section 4. This allowance is designed to provide support to these members during the COVID-19 pandemic. The class of members eligible for the allowance includes those assigned the PMKeyS numbers listed in Schedule 1 of the Instrument. It is essential for affected members to ensure they meet the criteria as specified in the Schedule to be eligible for the allowance. The Instrument imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, particularly on the Department of Defence. It mandates the timely registration of the Instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation and the subsequent implementation of the allowance payment process. Members who fall within the specified class must verify their PMKeyS numbers to confirm their eligibility. The Department of Defence is responsible for ensuring that the allowance is accurately and promptly disbursed to the eligible members. Breach of the conditions outlined in the Instrument could lead to various consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the text provided, it is generally understood that failure to adhere to Defence Determinations could result in administrative or disciplinary actions against the involved parties. For members, not meeting the eligibility criteria could result in the denial of the allowance. For the Department of Defence, non-compliance could lead to legal repercussions or financial penalties, depending on the severity and nature of the breach.