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

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1935 No. 60, made under the Defence Act 1903-1934, aim to address the need for updating financial and allowance regulations for officers in the Australian Military Forces and senior cadets. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council, these regulations specifically amend the Military Financial and Allowance Regulations by repealing and replacing Regulation 37. The policy objective is to provide updated pay rates and allowances for various officer appointments, ensuring the financial support aligns with their responsibilities while avoiding duplication of payments. This regulation seeks to establish a clear structure for remuneration and allowances that reflect the rank and duties of military officers, ensuring fair compensation in line with the Defence Act.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1935 No. 60, made under the Defence Act 1903-1934, amends the Military Financial and Allowance Regulations specifically addressing the rates of pay for certain officers within the Australian Military Forces and senior cadets. The regulation applies to specific officers holding appointments such as Inspector-General, Chief of the General Staff, and various commanders, with distinct annual rates of pay prescribed for each appointment. The regulation delineates that staff or command pay is not payable in addition to the specified rates. Furthermore, officers holding the appointment of Chief of the General Staff are entitled to specific allowances, with variations in payment over time. The regulation also notes that the prescribed rates of pay and allowances are subject to deductions under the Financial Emergency Act 1931-1934. The regulation is effective as if it were notified in the Gazette on the first day of July 1935, thereby setting a clear commencement date for its application.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Statutory Rules 1935, No. 60 Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1934, primarily revolve around the amendment of financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and senior cadets. Regulation 37, as outlined in sub-regulation (i), sets forth specific annual pay rates for various senior military positions, such as Inspector-General (£1,500), Chief of the General Staff (£1,400), and Commander of a Division (£1,100), among others, while explicitly stating that staff or command pay will not be payable in addition to these rates. Sub-regulation (ii) specifies an additional allowance for the Chief of the General Staff, with £350 per annum for the first year and £600 per annum thereafter. Sub-regulation (iii) further details pay rates for other high-ranking officers, including the Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General, with adjustments based on seniority and service in specific military districts. This regulation imposes clear financial obligations on the specified military positions, ensuring that remuneration is transparent and adheres to prescribed rates. It also sets out a structured allowance for the Chief of the General Staff, providing an additional financial incentive based on tenure in the role. The regulation further mandates that these financial provisions are subject to any applicable deductions under the Financial Emergency Act 1931-1934, ensuring alignment with broader financial constraints and policies of the time. While the regulation itself does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance, it is inherently understood that adherence to these financial and allowance provisions is mandatory. Breaches of these regulations could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or financial discrepancies, impacting both the individuals involved and the overall administration of military finances. The regulation's retroactive operation from July 1, 1935, underscores the importance of strict compliance with these financial provisions.