Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 255 was enacted as a regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1918, reflecting the legislative authority of the Australian Federal Executive Council and the Governor General. This legislative instrument was introduced to amend financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, specifically targeting the allowances provided to Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers during the period of the First World War. The regulation, which came into operation immediately upon enactment, aimed to streamline and formalise the financial provisions for military personnel serving in specific capacities within the Australian Imperial Force Camps. The regulation effectively removed a wartime allowance that had been previously granted to certain personnel in lieu of other allowances, thereby addressing an identified gap in the administrative management of military allowances during a time of active conflict.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 255, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, serves to amend Regulation 231 of the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. This regulation specifically pertains to Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Permanent Military Forces who are employed on instructional duties at Australian Imperial Force Camps. The regulation adjusts the allowance that was previously granted during the period of the present war, effectively removing the special allowance of 1s. 6d. per diem that was applicable to these officers. The changes outlined in this statutory rule are intended to bring the allowances back in line with the standard provisions applicable to military personnel under the Financial and Allowance Regulations, thereby ensuring a uniform approach to compensation for instructional duties within the military context. The regulation applies throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and is applicable to all relevant officers in the specified roles, without any noted exclusions or exemptions in the provided text.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this legislative instrument is Regulation 231 of the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. This regulation specifically addresses the allowances granted to Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Permanent Military Forces who are employed on instructional duties at Australian Imperial Force Camps. The regulation amends the existing allowance provisions by removing the wartime allowance of 1s. 6d. per diem, which was previously granted during the period of the present war (Regulation 231). The amendment imposes obligations on the relevant authorities to ensure that the financial and allowance regulations are updated in accordance with the changes outlined in the regulation. This includes notifying all relevant parties of the amendment and ensuring that any payments made under the old regulations cease, with no further allowances of 1s. 6d. per diem being granted to Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers on instructional duties at Australian Imperial Force Camps. Under this regulation, any failure to comply with the updated allowance provisions could result in legal and financial repercussions. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text, it can be inferred that non-compliance with legislative regulations of this nature could lead to civil or administrative penalties, including potential financial penalties or legal action to rectify the non-compliance. The precise consequences would depend on the context and interpretation of the Defence Act 1903-1918 and any relevant case law or subsequent legislation.