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

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1918, No. 183, issued under the Defence Act 1903-1917, were enacted to address the need for financial and allowance regulations to support personnel involved in military aviation training during the First World War. These regulations were made by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective of these regulations was to provide financial support and allowances to officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) undergoing flight training at the Central Flying School. This included a gratuity for those who successfully completed their pilot training, as well as allowances for mess expenses to ensure they were adequately provided for during their course. The regulations also differentiated between officers of the Citizen Forces and Permanent Forces in terms of pay and allowances, reflecting the varied statuses of military personnel at the time.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 183, made under the Defence Act 1903-1917, amends the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. This regulation specifically applies to officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who participate in courses at the Central Flying School, including those from the Citizen Forces and Permanent Forces. The regulation provides financial incentives and allowances for personnel who satisfactorily complete their courses and obtain a Pilot’s Certificate, such as a gratuity of £15 for qualified officers. Additionally, it stipulates that officers and NCOs will receive their respective ranks' pay during their course and provides daily allowances for mess expenses. The regulation extends to all officers and enlisted personnel attached to the Central Flying School and is subject to certification by the Officer Commanding. This regulation underscores the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting and incentivising military training and professional development within the Australian Military Forces.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this regulation concern the amendments to the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. Specifically, Regulation 81a is amended to include new sub-regulations (ii) to (v). Sub-regulation (ii) states that officers who successfully complete the qualifying course at the Central Flying School and obtain a Pilot’s Certificate are eligible for a gratuity of £15. Sub-regulation (iii) outlines that officers from the Citizen Forces undergoing a course at the Central Flying School will receive the pay of their rank, while officers from the Permanent Forces will receive the regimental pay of their rank. Sub-regulation (iv) introduces an allowance of 4s. 6d. per diem for officers attached to the Central Flying School for the cost of rations and other mess expenses, subject to a certificate from the Officer Commanding, Central Flying School. Finally, sub-regulation (v) stipulates that Non-Commissioned Officers (N.C.O.) and men attached to the Central Flying School for a course will receive an allowance of 2s. 6d. per diem, also subject to a certificate from the Officer Commanding. The obligations and requirements imposed by this regulation primarily concern the financial entitlements and allowances for officers and personnel undergoing flight training at the Central Flying School. Officers must successfully complete the qualifying course and obtain a Pilot’s Certificate to be eligible for the gratuity specified in sub-regulation (ii). Additionally, officers from both the Citizen Forces and Permanent Forces must receive their respective pay as outlined in sub-regulation (iii). The regulation also mandates that the Officer Commanding, Central Flying School, must provide a certificate confirming attendance on the specified days for the allowances mentioned in sub-regulations (iv) and (v) to be paid. In terms of consequences for breach, the regulation itself does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, given the context of military regulations, any failure to comply with the financial and allowance provisions could potentially result in disciplinary action under the Defence Act 1903-1917 or other relevant military laws. This could include administrative penalties or other disciplinary measures that may be outlined in the overarching Defence Act or other associated legislation. The specifics of maximum penalties would need to be referred to within the broader Defence Act or related statutes.