Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1919, specifically Statutory Rules No. 144, were enacted under the Defence Act 1903-1918. These regulations were made by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation immediately upon their issuance. This legislative instrument addresses amendments to the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, providing updated pay scales and allowances for members of the Inspection Staff in the Department of the Chief of Ordnance, effective from 1st September 1918. The policy objective is to ensure fair and structured remuneration for military personnel, while also establishing a framework for the employment of local medical practitioners to conduct medical examinations in areas where the Area Medical Officer cannot be present, thus providing flexibility and efficiency in the administration of medical services.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 144, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, amend financial and allowance regulations specifically for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. These regulations establish a new scale of pay for members of the Inspection Staff in the Department of the Chief of Ordnance, including specifics on the annual or biennial increments based on rank. This applies to various ranks, from Warrant Officer to Gunner, and includes allowances such as rations. Furthermore, the regulations modify the protocol for medical examinations in training areas, allowing for the employment of local medical practitioners to conduct examinations when the Area Medical Officer's presence would be impractical, subject to certain conditions and rates of pay. These amendments are designed to enhance operational efficiency and financial management within the specified military context, ensuring that allowances and payments are clearly defined and appropriately adjusted.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918, as stipulated in Statutory Rules 1919 No. 144, primarily amend the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. One significant change involves the scale of pay for members of the Inspection Staff in the Department of the Chief of Ordnance, as detailed in Regulation 88g (1). This regulation sets out specific pay scales based on rank and appointment, with a focus on roles such as the Officer in Charge of the Proof Ground, Master Gunner, and various positions of Staff Sergeant, Senior Viewer, Corporal, Viewer, Bombardier, Storeman, Gunner, and Labourer. It also allows for annual or biennial increments to salaries and mentions that appointment to the position of Viewer may be made within prescribed limits. The Regulations also introduce changes to the medical examination process for military personnel, as outlined in Regulation 360 (2). These amendments address the circumstances under which Area Medical Officers may be absent from their place of residence for extended periods due to the necessity of visiting training localities. When such absences exceed 24 hours, the personnel in those localities are not considered part of the Medical Officer’s allotment for examination. In such cases, local medical practitioners can be employed to conduct examinations at a rate of 2s. 6d. per examination. If the Area Medical Officer manages to examine at least 90 per cent of those allotted to him and can demonstrate that examining the remaining personnel would incur significant expense or time loss, the local practitioners may be employed for the rest. Additionally, if local practitioners are unavailable, travel allowances may be paid to the Area Medical Officer, up to the cost of employing a civilian practitioner. If the Area Medical Officer fails to examine 90 per cent of those allotted to him, local practitioners may still be employed, and any payments made will be deducted from the Medical Officer’s allowance. The Regulations impose specific obligations on the military personnel and medical officers governed by them. Members of the Inspection Staff must adhere to the pay scales and conditions of service outlined in Regulation 88g (1). Medical officers are required to conduct examinations for the personnel allotted to them, with specific provisions for employing local medical practitioners when necessary, as detailed in Regulation 360 (2). Additionally, the Regulations mandate that if local practitioners are employed, any costs exceeding the established rates must be justified, and failure to meet the 90 per cent examination threshold may result in deductions from the Medical Officer’s allowance. Breaches of the Regulations, such as non-compliance with the specified pay scales or failure to meet examination thresholds, may result in financial penalties and administrative consequences. While the Regulations do not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance, they suggest that any overpayments or misuse of allowances may be subject to deductions and other financial repercussions. The overarching Defence Act 1903-1918 and associated Acts and regulations may provide further details on penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines, reimbursement of allowances, or other disciplinary actions.