Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1978 No. 90, made under the Defence Act 1903, the Naval Defence Act 1910, and the Air Force Act 1923, was enacted by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to amend the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations. This legislative instrument aimed to update the list of localities eligible for post allowances for members of the Australian Defence Force. The amendments were intended to reflect changes in geopolitical and operational circumstances, ensuring that the allowances were applicable to current deployment and operational locations. This regulation was gazetted on 21 June 1978 and came into effect as part of the ongoing effort to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of defence force remuneration structures.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1978 No. 90, made under the Defence Act 1903, the Naval Defence Act 1910 and the Air Force Act 1923, amends the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations. This regulation applies to members of the Australian Defence Force, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, who are entitled to certain allowances as part of their remuneration. The changes specifically update the list of posts eligible for a post allowance, replacing old locations with new ones, and modifying the criteria for the allowance eligibility. The regulation has a national jurisdictional reach, applying throughout Australia and potentially to Defence Force personnel stationed overseas in specified locations. There are no stated exclusions or thresholds within the regulation itself; however, it is likely that other provisions of the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations may impose conditions or limits on the allowances. The regulation does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, as it stands as a direct amendment to the existing regulations.

Key Provisions

The regulation primarily amends the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations by updating the list of localities eligible for post allowances. Specifically, regulation 9a(11) now includes posts in Accra, Dacca, Dar Es Salaam, Hanoi, Jeddah, Lagos, Peking, Quetta, Rangoon, and Vientiane, replacing the previous list. Regulation 9a(12) also changes, now specifying that allowances apply to posts in Algiers, Ankara, Bagdad, Colombo, Karachi, Kingston in Jamaica, Manama in Bahrain, Moscow, Nauru, and posts in Indonesia or Papua New Guinea, among others. These changes clarify the locations where Defence Force personnel may be eligible for additional post allowances. The regulation imposes specific obligations on Defence Force personnel and the Department of Defence to ensure compliance with the updated allowances. Defence personnel assigned to the newly listed localities must be aware of their eligibility for post allowances and ensure accurate reporting and documentation for such allowances. The Department of Defence is responsible for updating relevant records, systems, and communications to reflect these changes, ensuring that all personnel are correctly informed and compensated. This includes revising internal guidelines and ensuring that payroll systems are adjusted accordingly. Breach of the provisions within this regulation could potentially lead to administrative errors or financial discrepancies. While the regulation does not explicitly state offences or penalties, incorrect application of allowances or failure to comply with the updated regulations could result in financial loss to the individual or the Department of Defence. In such cases, internal disciplinary actions or corrective measures may be taken, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the breach. Accurate adherence to these regulations is crucial to maintain the integrity of Defence Force salary structures and allowances.