EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1983 NO. 224
ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
AMENDMENT OF THE DEFENCE FORCE (SALARIES) REGULATIONS
Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979 allows the Minister to make interim determinations amending or repealing regulations. The Act also deems such interim determinations to be Statutory Rules.
These Statutory Rules amend the Schedules to the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations to provide for increases in salaries for members of the Defence Force who are rendering continuous full-time service.
The salary increases are a flow on from the recent National Wage Case.
The date of effect is 6 October 1983.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1983 No. 224, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, amend the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations to implement salary increases for members of the Defence Force who are providing continuous full-time service. This amendment was enacted to address the need for timely updates to the remuneration of Defence Force personnel, ensuring that their salaries are aligned with broader economic adjustments. The changes follow the recent National Wage Case, reflecting the policy objective of maintaining appropriate compensation levels within the Defence Force. These interim determinations, authorised by Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979, were issued on 6 October 1983, and are deemed to be Statutory Rules, effective from the specified date.
Scope and Application
The Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations Amendment (Interim) Statutory Rules 1983, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, pertain specifically to the adjustment of salaries for members of the Defence Force who are engaged in continuous full-time service. These regulations are an interim measure, enacted pursuant to Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979, which allows the Minister to make such determinations. The changes are directly linked to the outcomes of the recent National Wage Case, reflecting a flow-on effect intended to align defence personnel salaries with broader economic adjustments. These regulations apply nationally across Australia, covering all members of the Defence Force who meet the specified criteria of continuous full-time service. Notably, these interim Statutory Rules, once issued, are deemed to have the force of law, and their implementation is effective from 6 October 1983. The scope of application is comprehensive within the Defence Force, ensuring that salary adjustments are uniformly applied across all relevant personnel.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the Statutory Rules (No. 224 of 1983) amend the Defence Force (Salaries) Regulations, which are outlined in the Schedules. These amendments (sections 3 and 4) are pursuant to Section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979, enabling the Minister for Defence to make interim determinations. These determinations are intended to adjust or repeal existing regulations concerning the salaries of Defence Force members. The specific changes include salary increases for those Defence Force members providing continuous full-time service, reflecting adjustments made as a result of the recent National Wage Case. The effective date of these amendments is 6 October 1983.
These Statutory Rules impose several obligations on the relevant parties, primarily the Defence Force and its members. The Defence Force is required to implement the specified salary increases for eligible members, ensuring that these changes are reflected in the payroll systems and communicated appropriately to affected personnel. Defence Force members, in turn, are entitled to the increased salaries as per the updated regulations, provided they meet the criteria of rendering continuous full-time service. The Department of Defence must also ensure that all administrative processes are updated to reflect these changes, thereby maintaining compliance with the new salary structure.
Failure to comply with these Statutory Rules may result in various consequences. While the document does not explicitly outline specific offences, breaches of these regulations could potentially lead to administrative penalties or legal action. The Defence Force and its members are expected to adhere strictly to the new salary provisions to avoid any repercussions. Additionally, any disputes arising from the implementation of these salary changes could be subject to review or adjudication under the existing Defence Force regulations or relevant industrial relations laws. The exact penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the Statutory Rules, but they could include financial penalties, corrective actions, or other administrative measures as deemed appropriate by the Defence Force or relevant authorities.