Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 4) 2025

Overview

The Defence Determination, Conditions of Service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 4) 2025 was introduced to address the need for financial support for Defence members during the COVID-19 pandemic. This instrument, enacted under the authority of section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, aims to provide an Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible Defence personnel. The policy objective is to offer financial assistance to Defence members who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic, thereby supporting their wellbeing and maintaining operational readiness. This instrument is set to commence on its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation, ensuring timely support for affected members.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 4) 2025 applies to specific members within the Australian Defence Force who are assigned certain PMKeyS numbers, as detailed in Schedule 1 of the Instrument. This legislative instrument sets out the conditions for the payment of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance to eligible members from 26 February 2025, following its commencement upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. The authority for this instrument derives from section 4.12.4 of the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. The allowance payment is targeted specifically at those members who meet the criteria outlined in the schedule, ensuring that the financial support is directed to the intended recipients within the Defence Force. The instrument does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the eligibility based on the assigned PMKeyS numbers.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Defence Determination, Conditions of service (Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance) Commencement Instrument (No. 4) 2025 (the "Instrument") include the definition and commencement of the instrument (sections 1 and 2), the authority under which it is made (section 3), and the specifics of the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance (section 4). This instrument specifies that Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is payable to members assigned specific PMKeyS numbers, commencing from 26 February 2025. The class of members eligible for this allowance is detailed in Schedule 1. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily focused on the Department of Defence and the eligible members. The Department of Defence is required to ensure that the Operation COVID-19 ASSIST Allowance is correctly identified and disbursed to the members specified in Schedule 1, who fall within the designated PMKeyS numbers. Members who qualify for the allowance must be assigned one of the specific PMKeyS numbers listed in Schedule 1. They must also meet any other conditions or criteria stipulated in the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, to remain eligible for the allowance. Breaches of the provisions under this Instrument may lead to various consequences. However, the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance are not explicitly stated within the provided text. Typically, in the context of Defence Determinations, non-compliance could result in administrative actions, financial penalties, or other disciplinary measures as outlined in the relevant Defence legislation or administrative guidelines. The maximum penalties, if applicable, would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the governing statutes or regulations in place at the time of the offence.