Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1984 No. 41, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, amends the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations through the enactment of the Defence Amendment Act 1979. This legislation seeks to address the need to revise the remuneration rates for medical and dental officers within the Defence Force who are providing continuous full-time service. The policy objective underpinning this amendment is to ensure that the salaries of these critical service members are reflective of their roles and contributions. By enacting these Statutory Rules, the Australian government aims to provide fair compensation that aligns with the demands and responsibilities of medical and dental officers, while excluding those who are in compulsory medical residency. The changes are effective as of 29 December 1983.

Scope and Application

The Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations Amendment Statutory Rules 1984 No. 41 applies to medical and dental officers within the Defence Force who are providing continuous full-time service, with the exclusion of those undergoing compulsory medical residency. This legislation, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence and pursuant to Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979, aims to adjust the salary rates for the specified officers. These regulations have a national reach, applying across Australia as they are federal regulations. The amendments set forth in these rules are deemed to be Statutory Rules and became effective on 29 December 1983. The Act does not specify any exclusions or thresholds beyond those already mentioned, and its application may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments as needed.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1984 No. 41, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, are centred around the amendment of the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations. Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979 empowers the Minister to make interim determinations, which are subsequently deemed to be Statutory Rules. These determinations amend or repeal the existing regulations concerning the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations, specifically targeting the rates of salary for members of the Defence Force who are providing continuous full-time service. The regulations in question pertain to the increased salary rates for medical and dental officers, excluding those who are undertaking compulsory medical residency. The amendments took effect from 29 December 1983. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the relevant parties, notably the Minister for Defence and the Defence Force personnel. The Minister, under the authority granted by Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979, is obligated to make interim determinations that align with the objectives of the Statutory Rules. These determinations must be precise in terms of the salary rates to be amended and the categories of Defence Force personnel affected, such as medical and dental officers. The Defence Force personnel, particularly those in the specified categories, are entitled to the updated salary rates as per the amended regulations. The Statutory Rules also outline the potential consequences for non-compliance with the provisions set forth. Although the rules themselves do not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties, breaches of the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations can lead to civil or criminal consequences depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Typically, failure to adhere to such regulations could result in legal actions against the responsible parties, including financial penalties or other corrective measures deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The maximum penalties for breaches would be as prescribed under the overarching Defence Force regulations and related laws, although the specific maximum penalties are not detailed within these Statutory Rules. In summary, the Statutory Rules 1984 No. 41, issued by the Minister for Defence, amend the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations to increase the salary rates for medical and dental officers, effective from 29 December 1983. The Minister is tasked with making interim determinations in line with these amendments, while Defence Force personnel are entitled to the updated salary rates. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to civil or criminal consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed within the Statutory Rules themselves.