Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1983, issued by the authority of the Minister for Defence, were enacted to address the need for an adjustment in the rations and quarters charge deducted from the salaries of Defence Force members. This amendment to the 1983 regulations specifically targets sub-regulation 19(1) concerning the rates of the charge for members living in service accommodation. The policy objective behind this amendment is to increase the rates of the charge, reflecting the adjustments necessary to account for inflation and other economic factors since the original rates were established. The increases are proportionate, ranging from 25 cents per day for trainees to 35 cents per day for officers, and these changes took effect from 25 August 1983. The regulation aims to ensure that the financial burden on members is appropriately aligned with current living standards and operational requirements.

Scope and Application

The Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rule 1983 No. 137, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, pertains specifically to the modification of the rations and quarters charge deducted from the salaries of members of the Australian Defence Force who are providing continuous full-time service and residing in service accommodation. The amendment affects both officers and trainees, with the charge increasing by 35 cents per day for officers and 25 cents per day for trainees. The regulation applies to all members of the Australian Defence Force in full-time service who occupy service accommodation, thereby impacting a significant number of personnel across various ranks and roles within the defence force. The amendment came into effect on 25 August 1983, and while the primary focus is on adjusting the financial deductions related to living expenses, no specific exclusions or exemptions are mentioned within the text. The regulation is a direct amendment to the existing Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations, enhancing the rates through a straightforward adjustment of the specified charges.

Key Provisions

The Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rule 1983 No. 137 amends Regulation 19 of the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations to adjust the rates of the rations and quarters charge, which is a deduction made from the salaries of Defence Force members who are on continuous full-time service and residing in service accommodation (Regulation 19(1)). The amendment increases these rates, with the hike ranging from 25 cents per day for trainees up to 35 cents per day for officers (Regulation 19(1)). The new rates are applicable from 25 August 1983. The amendment imposes specific obligations on the parties governed by the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations. Defence Force members on continuous full-time service who live in service accommodation must now accept the increased deductions as per the new rates set out in Regulation 19(1). This adjustment affects the net income of these members and requires the Defence Force administration to implement the new charge rates in their payroll systems. The changes necessitate updating relevant documentation and ensuring that all affected members are informed of the modifications to their deductions. Breach of the provisions in the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations, including the implementation of the new rations and quarters charge rates, could lead to serious consequences. While the Statutory Rule does not explicitly detail offences or penalties for non-compliance, failure to adhere to the updated deductions could result in disputes or legal action from Defence Force members who feel unfairly treated. In a broader context, non-compliance with Defence administrative regulations could lead to disciplinary action against those responsible for payroll and financial management within the Defence Force, potentially resulting in administrative penalties or other disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate by the Defence Force authority.