STATUTORY RULES.
1964. No. 162
REGULATION UNDER THE DEFENCE FORCES RETIREMENT
BENEFITS ACT 1948-1963.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948-1963.
Dated this
day of , 1964.
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
Treasurer.
Amendment of the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Regulations.†
Third Schedule.
The Third Schedule to the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Regulations is amended by omitting the words—
| Chief Officer………………… | 55 years |
| First Officer…………………. | 50 years |
“Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service | Second Officer………………. | 50 years |
Third Officer………………… | 50 years |
| Other Ranks…………………. | 50 years” |
and inserting in their stead the words— | | |
| Chief Officer…………………. | 55 years |
| First Officer…………………. | 50 years |
“Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service | Second Officer………………. | 50 years |
Third Officer………………… | 50 years |
| Other Ranks…………………. | 50 years |
| Matron………………………. | 55 years |
Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service | Superintending Sister…………. | 55 years |
Senior Sister…………………. | 55 years |
| Sister………………………… | 55 years”. |
* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 24 December, 1964.
† Statutory Rules 1949, No. 60 as amended by Statutory Rules 1950, No. 14; 1951, No. 111; 1954; Nos. 4 and 33; 1955, Nos. 14 and 45; 1956, No. 25; 1959, No. 104; and 1964, Nos. 84 and 114.
By Authority: A. J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.
15118/64.—Price 6d. 9/24.11.1964.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1964 No. 162, made under the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948-1963, aim to amend the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Regulations by adjusting the retirement ages for various ranks within the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service and the Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations respond to the need for equitable retirement benefits across different service roles, addressing a gap in the existing framework by providing specific retirement ages for female officers and nursing staff that reflect their unique roles and contributions. This legislative instrument seeks to ensure that all members of the Defence Forces have a clear and fair understanding of their retirement entitlements, aligning with the overarching policy objective of providing comprehensive and just retirement benefits to all eligible personnel.
Scope and Application
The Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Regulations, made under the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948-1963, pertain to the regulation of retirement benefits for members of the defence forces in Australia. These regulations apply to various ranks within the military, including Chief Officers, First Officers, Second Officers, Third Officers, Other Ranks, Matrons, and members of the Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service, such as Superintending Sisters, Senior Sisters, and Sisters. The regulations establish the retirement ages for these ranks, ensuring that they receive their benefits at the appropriate times. This legislation applies on a national level as it is a Commonwealth regulation. The scope of these regulations is further extended through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional details or amendments to the retirement benefits scheme. The specific amendments noted in the Statutory Rules of 1964 adjust the retirement ages for certain ranks, particularly within the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service and the Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service, reflecting evolving policies and service requirements.
Key Provisions
The Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Regulations 1964 (F1996B01508) primarily focus on amending the retirement age provisions for certain officers and ranks within the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRAN) and the Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service (RANNS). Specifically, section 1 of the regulation updates the retirement ages for various ranks by introducing a distinction for certain roles. For example, under the original regulations, both male and female officers had varying retirement ages based on their rank, but this amendment introduces a standardised retirement age of 55 years for specific roles within the WRAN and RANNS, such as the Matron, Superintending Sister, Senior Sister, and Sister. This change aims to ensure parity in retirement ages for comparable roles across genders within these services.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily administrative and procedural. The relevant authorities must ensure that the updated retirement ages are reflected in all official documentation and that all personnel within the affected ranks are informed of the changes. This includes updating records, informing affected individuals of their new retirement age, and ensuring that any administrative processes related to retirement are adjusted accordingly. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in operational inefficiencies and potential disputes over retirement entitlements.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the regulation does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties. However, the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948-1963, under which these regulations are made, does provide a framework for potential civil or criminal liability. For instance, if the failure to adhere to the updated retirement age provisions leads to disputes or incorrect payments, the responsible authorities could face legal challenges or administrative penalties. It is crucial for the authorities to diligently implement the new provisions to avoid any such repercussions.