Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1980 No. 3331, made under the Defence Amendment Act 1979, address the need to adjust certain allowances within the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations to reflect changes in economic conditions and operational requirements. Enacted by the Minister of State for Defence, this interim determination amends the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations to increase the airconditioning allowance for Defence personnel and revise the uniform maintenance allowance. The policy objective behind these amendments is to ensure that Defence Force members receive appropriate compensation for specific allowances that have been deemed insufficient in light of recent changes. This interim determination applies to payments made after specific dates in July 1980 and includes transitional provisions for airconditioning facilities installed and operated between December 1978 and March 1979.

Scope and Application

This interim determination, made under the Defence Amendment Act 1979, amends the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations, specifically addressing the airconditioning allowance and uniform maintenance allowance for members of the Australian Defence Force. It applies to members of the Air Force, Navy, and Army, affecting their salaries and allowances from specific dates in July 1980. The amendments also cover the cost of operating airconditioning facilities from December 1979, with transitional provisions for periods between December 1978 and March 1979. The changes are made through statutory rules and are applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia. The application of these amendments is extensive, targeting all members of the Defence Force and ensuring that salary adjustments are implemented uniformly across different branches of the military.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Interim Determination, as outlined in clauses 1 to 5, provide amendments to the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Regulations) to adjust allowances for airconditioning and uniform maintenance. Clause 1 amends Regulation 9C to adjust the airconditioning allowance figures, replacing the previous amount of $480 with $1120 and modifying the formula for calculating the allowance based on the number of unoccupied days. Clause 2 revises Regulation 14 to increase the uniform maintenance allowance for various categories of members, replacing previous amounts with new figures such as $285.00 and $210.00. Clause 3 specifies that these amendments apply to the payment of uniform maintenance allowance for Air Force members from 3 July 1980 and for Navy and Army members from 4 July 1980. Clause 4 mandates that the changes to airconditioning allowances apply to costs incurred from 1 December 1979 onwards. Clause 5 provides a transitional arrangement for airconditioning facilities installed and operated between 1 December 1978 and 31 March 1979, applying the amended regulations as though the original figures were still in effect. The obligations imposed by this Interim Determination primarily concern the Defence Force and its members. The Defence Force must ensure that the amended allowances for airconditioning and uniform maintenance are correctly calculated and paid to eligible members as per the new figures and formulas stipulated in the Regulations. Members of the Air Force, Navy, and Army are expected to comply with the new rates for uniform maintenance allowance from the specified dates. Additionally, any entities responsible for managing airconditioning facilities must adhere to the revised allowances as of 1 December 1979. For the transitional period outlined in Clause 5, the Defence Force must apply the original figures for calculating airconditioning allowances for facilities installed and operated between 1 December 1978 and 31 March 1979. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Interim Determination may result in various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text of this Interim Determination, breaches of Defence-related regulations can generally lead to disciplinary action against Defence personnel, financial penalties, or other administrative consequences as outlined in relevant Defence Acts and Regulations. Additionally, any non-compliance with salary or allowance provisions may result in legal actions for rectification or recovery of improperly paid amounts. The Defence Force is responsible for ensuring adherence to these amendments to maintain proper financial administration and member satisfaction.