Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 6, published under the Defence Act 1903–1918, comprises regulations that amend the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Governor-General, R. M. Ferguson, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The regulations address specific financial and allowance amendments to the military forces, including changes to horse allowances, cheque handling procedures, and pay rates for trainee soldiers undergoing continuous training. The enactment aims to ensure that financial regulations are appropriately aligned with the evolving needs and operational requirements of the military forces during this period.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918, as stipulated in the Statutory Rules 1919 No. 6, primarily apply to the financial and allowance regulations governing the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. These regulations directly affect the procedures for financial transactions, such as the issuance and signing of cheques, and allowances for personnel, including adjustments to allowances based on the duration of annual training. The regulations amend several specific sections, notably Regulation 68, which previously excluded certain Quartermasters, and Regulation 132, which now includes conditions for horse allowances based on the duration of annual training. Furthermore, the Regulations refine the process for drawing cheques by requiring specific amounts and certified accounts, prohibiting the use of blank cheque forms. Additionally, Regulation 343 introduces exceptions for allowances when annual training exceeds 16 days, while Regulation 344 provides for the classification of trainees as trained soldiers after completing 16 days of training during Continuous Training periods. These amendments are set to take effect from 1st July 1918, thereby updating the financial and operational frameworks for the military forces during this period.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918 primarily focus on amending the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. These amendments are significant in that they adjust financial provisions and allowances for various military personnel and circumstances. Regulation 68 is amended to extend its application to Quartermasters of the Permanent Army Service Corps, Remount Section, who were previously exempt. This change takes effect from 1 July 1916. Regulation 132 is also amended to include a condition that the Horse Allowance will not apply when annual training exceeds 16 days, unless approved by the Minister. This amendment comes into force from 1 July 1918. Another amendment pertains to Regulation 151, which introduces a new requirement that cheques for certified accounts must be drawn for specific amounts and must not be signed until they are ready to be posted or delivered. Moreover, neither signature nor countersignature can be affixed to blank cheque forms. This amendment also takes effect from 1 July 1918. Regulation 343 is further amended to include the condition that certain exceptions apply when annual training exceeds 16 days, unless approved by the Minister. This amendment, too, comes into force from 1 July 1918. Lastly, Regulation 344 is amended to provide that Trainees of the 1900 Quota of all arms other than Artillery and Engineers, who complete 16 days of training, may be classed as trained soldiers and will be entitled to pay at a higher rate for the remaining 8 days of training. This amendment also takes effect from 1 July 1918. These Regulations impose several obligations on the parties governed by them, particularly on military personnel and their commanding officers. The amendments to Regulation 68 require Quartermasters of the Permanent Army Service Corps, Remount Section to adhere to the financial regulations that were previously not applicable to them. For Regulation 132, commanding officers must ensure that Horse Allowance is not granted for annual training exceeding 16 days, unless specifically approved by the Minister. Similarly, Regulation 151 imposes a procedural requirement on the handling of cheques, mandating that they must be drawn for specific amounts and signed only when ready for posting or delivery. Regulation 343 necessitates that certain allowances and exceptions are subject to Ministerial approval when training periods exceed 16 days. Finally, Regulation 344 requires that Trainees of the 1900 Quota be correctly classified and compensated based on their training duration. The Regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, given the nature of statutory regulations, non-compliance with these provisions could potentially lead to administrative penalties, financial discrepancies, or other disciplinary actions as determined by the relevant authorities. The exact consequences would depend on the specific context and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions or interpretations provided by the Defence Act 1903–1918 or other applicable laws.