Financial and Allowance Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 66, enacted under the Defence Act 1903–1918, was introduced to address a specific issue within the financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. The regulation was issued by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, which highlights the legislative authority and the intent to implement an immediate change. This regulation specifically amends Regulation 83 to adjust the allowance provisions for married men in Remount Sections, ensuring they are considered under the married establishment despite having less than three years of service, which was not previously the case. The amendment aims to provide a more equitable allowance structure for these specific members of the military.

Scope and Application

The regulation, Statutory Rules 1919 No. 66, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, applies specifically to members of the Australian Military Forces and senior cadets, particularly those enlisted in the Remount Sections. The regulation amends the Financial and Allowance Regulations to adjust the conditions under which married men are included in the married establishment, specifying that married men in the Remount Sections will be considered for this status even if their service duration is less than three years. This alteration highlights a targeted adjustment within the Defence Act's financial and allowance framework, directly impacting the administrative and financial treatment of certain military personnel. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, with its implementation governed by the overarching Defence Act 1903-1918, ensuring uniformity in application throughout the nation. No specific exclusions or exemptions are stated in this regulation, and it does not reference any subordinate instruments that might further extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The primary provision of this legislative instrument, Regulation 83, amends the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets (section 1). Specifically, it changes the criteria for married men being placed on the married establishment. Under the previous regulation, members enlisted as married men could be placed on the married establishment regardless of their service duration, provided they had been married for at least three years (section 1(a)). The amendment now specifies that married men of Remount Sections can be placed on the married establishment regardless of their service duration (section 1(b)). This means that the eligibility for married establishment now applies to a more narrowly defined group within the military forces. The obligations and requirements imposed by this regulation affect the Defence Force administration and personnel management processes. The Defence Force must now ensure that married men of Remount Sections are correctly placed on the married establishment, regardless of their service duration. This change impacts record-keeping, financial allowances, and potentially the administrative burden of the Defence Force in managing these entitlements. It also means that the Defence Force must review and potentially adjust its existing policies and procedures to align with this new criterion. Breaching the provisions of this regulation could lead to legal consequences, though the specific details are not outlined in the text provided. Generally, non-compliance with regulations made under the Defence Act could result in administrative penalties, such as fines, or other disciplinary actions against the responsible officials within the Defence Force. While the text does not specify the exact penalties, it is clear that adherence to these regulations is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the Defence Force’s administrative practices. The Defence Act itself and related legislation would provide further details on the consequences for non-compliance.