Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1920 No. 67, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, was enacted to address specific financial and allowance-related issues within the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. The regulations were issued by the Governor-General in Council and came into effect immediately upon their creation on 22 April 1920. The enactment was authorised by the Parliament of Australia and aimed to provide financial clarity and control over allowances within the military, ensuring that payments were appropriately capped while also allowing for flexibility in special circumstances. The regulations specifically modify the Financial and Allowance Regulations to introduce a War Allowance for the Warrant Officer in Charge of Proof Ground (1st Class Master Gunner) and establish a limit on payments, with exceptions that require the Commandant's approval.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 67, which amend the Financial and Allowance Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918, specifically apply to members of the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, including Warrant Officers in Charge of Proof Ground (1st Class Master Gunner). These regulations govern financial matters and allowances within the military context, setting forth parameters for the payment of allowances and other financial entitlements. The regulations have a Commonwealth reach, affecting personnel across Australia under the Defence Act 1903-1918. The regulations include specific amendments, such as the addition of a War Allowance for certain Warrant Officers and restrictions on the amounts payable under specific regulations, with exceptions that require approval from the Commandant. These provisions are intended to adjust financial support for military personnel, reflecting changes in operational needs or policy considerations.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of these regulations, as detailed in the statutory rules, primarily pertain to amendments in financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets under the Defence Act 1903-1918. Regulation 88g is modified to include a specific allowance for a Warrant Officer in Charge of Proof Ground, who is also a 1st Class Master Gunner. This amendment, effective from 1 July 1919, entitles the Warrant Officer to a War Allowance of 9d. per diem (section 88g). Regulation 199 is also amended to specify that payments under this regulation should not exceed 5 shillings, except in exceptional circumstances where the Commandant may authorise larger payments (section 199). These provisions aim to provide clarity and specific allowances for certain military personnel, ensuring that financial support is appropriately allocated. The regulations impose clear obligations on the military authorities to ensure that the specified allowances are correctly calculated and paid. Under the amended Regulation 88g, the Warrant Officer in Charge of Proof Ground (1st Class Master Gunner) is entitled to a War Allowance of 9d. per diem, which must be disbursed as per the new provision. Under Regulation 199, while the general limit for payments is set at 5 shillings, exceptions can be made by the Commandant in special cases, with such decisions subject to approval and oversight. These obligations underscore the need for meticulous record-keeping and adherence to the new financial guidelines. Breaches of these regulations, while not explicitly detailed in the statutory rules, would likely be subject to the overarching Defence Act 1903-1918. The Defence Act provides a framework for the governance of military forces and includes provisions for disciplinary actions against breaches of regulations. Offences related to financial mismanagement or failure to comply with financial regulations could result in penalties as prescribed by the Act, which may include fines, administrative penalties, or other disciplinary measures. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the specific provisions of the Defence Act applicable at the time.