Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 245, titled "Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918," were enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Defence Act 1903-1918, to address financial and allowance issues within the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. These regulations were made to come into operation immediately and were issued under the authority of the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective, as evidenced by these amendments, was to ensure financial efficiency within the military by providing for specific allowances and pay rates that aimed to streamline financial management and provide clarity on financial obligations. This was achieved by amending existing financial and allowance regulations to better align with the evolving needs of the military during the post-World War I period.

Scope and Application

The Regulations made under the Defence Act 1903-1918 apply specifically to the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, primarily concerning financial and allowance matters. These regulations govern the allocation and conditions of financial allowances for military personnel, including warrant officers, staff sergeants, assistant artificers, sergeants, gunners, bombardiers, and corporals. The regulations set out the specific rates of pay and increments for these ranks, and also introduce new allowances, such as the War Allowance for warrant officers receiving consolidated pay of £220 per annum and upwards for the period from 1st July, 1919, to 31st December, 1919. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is the Commonwealth of Australia, and they are designed to provide a structured framework for financial and allowance matters within the Defence Act 1903-1918. The regulations may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as deemed necessary by the Governor-General in Council.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of these regulations, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1919, No. 245, amend the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets under the Defence Act 1903-1918. Specifically, Regulation 27 (1) now requires the District Finance Officer to write to the District Commandant about any matters where savings in expenditure could be made, with copies sent to the Civil Member. Regulations 76a, 84a, 87a, 87b, and sub-regulation (1) of regulation 81a introduce a War Allowance of 9d. per diem for Warrant Officers earning £220 and upwards from 1 July 1919 to 31 December 1919. Regulation 89 is substantially amended, introducing a new pay scale effective from 1 March 1919 and abolishing previous subdivisions, with specific increments and fixed rates for various ranks. Sub-regulation (a) of regulation 89 is repealed and replaced, and sub-regulation (f) is repealed entirely as of 1 March 1919. Additionally, Regulation 150 is amended to replace the term "Authorizing Officer" with "District Finance Officer," and sub-regulation (3) of regulation 340a is repealed as of 1 July 1917. Statutory Rules 1919, No. 236, are repealed by these regulations. These regulations impose several obligations on the relevant parties. The District Finance Officer must report to the District Commandant on any potential savings and forward copies to the Civil Member, as mandated by Regulation 27 (1). The new allowances for Warrant Officers, as outlined in Regulations 76a, 84a, 87a, 87b, and sub-regulation (1) of regulation 81a, must be implemented for those earning £220 and upwards during the specified period. The new pay scale and increments, detailed in Regulation 89, must be adhered to for all future appointments, promotions, and increments. The change in terminology from "Authorizing Officer" to "District Finance Officer" in Regulation 150 must be implemented accordingly. These regulations do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with the financial and allowance provisions could lead to administrative or disciplinary actions under the Defence Act 1903-1918 or other relevant military regulations. The absence of specific penalties in these regulations suggests that breaches would be addressed through internal military processes and existing disciplinary measures.