Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1919 No. 64, Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918, was enacted in 1919 to address financial and allowance discrepancies within the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. This legislation was brought into force by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and it was designed to ensure the timely and effective implementation of financial and allowance regulations for the military personnel. The objective of these regulations was to standardise the pay and allowances for Inspectors of the Inspection of Rifle Ranges Staff, ensuring that their remuneration was commensurate with their qualifications and responsibilities. This legislative instrument was essential for maintaining the morale and operational efficiency of the military forces during a period of significant change and transition.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 64, issued under the Defence Act 1903–1918, establish amendments to the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. These regulations govern the financial aspects and allowances applicable to personnel within the Australian military framework, affecting both active military forces and senior cadets. The scope of these regulations encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Australia, as they are established under federal authority. The amendments specifically modify certain financial regulations, including the backdating of regulation 1a to 14th February 1917, altering regulation 12 by expanding its application, and replacing regulation 88f with a new scale of pay for Inspectors of the Inspection of Rifle Ranges Staff. The new provisions for Inspectors specify a pay scale based on grade and subdivision, with conditions for advancement based on qualifications or examinations. The regulations do not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, implying that they apply broadly within their designated scope.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, Statutory Rules 1919 No. 64, pertain to the amendment of Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. Section (1) specifies that the provisions of regulation 1a, originally made by Statutory Rules 1919 No. 26, will be deemed to have come into operation from 14 February 1917. Section (2) amends regulation 12 by inserting the words “or question” after the word “proposal” wherever it occurs. Additionally, section (3) repeals regulation 88f and replaces it with a new regulation that sets a specific scale of pay for Inspectors of the Inspection of Rifle Ranges Staff, effective from 1 March 1919. The new regulation includes detailed pay scales for different grades and subdivisions, with increments being discretionary within grades and advancement to a higher grade conditional upon certain qualifications or examinations. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties it governs. Firstly, it mandates that regulation 1a, previously established by Statutory Rules 1919 No. 26, be retroactively applied from 14 February 1917. Secondly, it requires that the term “proposal” in regulation 12 be interpreted to also include “question.” Moreover, the new regulation 88f stipulates a precise pay scale for Inspectors of the Inspection of Rifle Ranges Staff, effective from 1 March 1919. Inspectors must qualify as licensed surveyors or pass a prescribed examination to be eligible for advancement to a higher pay grade after one year of service at the maximum of a lower grade. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches, the legislation does not explicitly state any penalties for non-compliance with the amended regulations. However, failure to adhere to the specified pay scales and conditions for advancement could potentially result in disputes or grievances among the affected personnel. Additionally, if any part of the amended regulations is not correctly implemented or adhered to, it could lead to administrative or legal challenges, though the specific penalties are not outlined within the text of this statutory rule.