Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917 No. 216 is a legislative instrument issued under the Defence Act 1903-1915. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this regulation was established to address the need for financial support for sergeants-major and sergeants of the Provost Staff in the Australian Military Forces upon their initial appointment. Specifically, it allows for a sum not exceeding £5 to be granted for the purchase of approved uniform items, a provision designed to assist these personnel in their early service. The regulation was issued on 29th August 1917, reflecting the ongoing requirements of the military during World War I. This regulation was introduced to ensure that new members of the Provost Staff could be adequately equipped without undue financial strain. The policy objective is to facilitate the transition and operational readiness of these personnel by providing necessary resources for their roles. The regulation underscores the importance of supporting military personnel from the outset of their service, ensuring that they can perform their duties effectively and with the appropriate uniform and equipment.

Scope and Application

This Statutory Rule, numbered 1917. No. 216, represents a regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1915, indicating its applicability within the Commonwealth of Australia and specifically concerning the financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. The regulation pertains to sergeants-major and sergeants of the Provost Staff who, upon their first appointment, may receive a sum not exceeding £5 for the purchase of approved uniform items. This provision is conditional upon the submission of claims supported by vouchers and approval by the Commandant. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions from its application, but it is narrowly tailored to the initial appointment of specific ranks within the Provost Staff, thereby limiting its scope to a defined group of personnel. This regulation extends the financial provisions outlined in Regulation 338 of the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets dated 14 February 1917.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this Statutory Rules 1917 No. 216 regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1915 pertains to Regulation 338 of the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, specifically as amended on February 14, 1917 (Statutory Rules 1917 No. 31). This regulation introduces a financial provision for sergeants-major and sergeants of the Provost Staff who are appointed for the first time. Under section 338, these individuals are permitted to receive up to £5 for the purchase of approved uniform items. This allowance is contingent upon the provision of claims supported by vouchers and the subsequent approval by the Commandant. The regulation imposes specific obligations on the affected parties. For instance, sergeants-major and sergeants of the Provost Staff must ensure that any claims for the uniform allowance are accompanied by appropriate vouchers. These vouchers are intended to substantiate the claims and must be submitted to the Commandant for approval. The Military Board has the authority to approve which uniform items are eligible for the allowance. The Commandant's approval is also necessary to validate the claim, ensuring that the expenditure aligns with the regulation's stipulations. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences detailed within the regulation itself for non-compliance with the outlined provisions. However, any failure to adhere to the requirements for submitting claims and vouchers, or any misuse of the allowance, could potentially lead to disciplinary action under the Defence Act 1903-1915 or other relevant military regulations. The specific consequences would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, which would be assessed according to military law.