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

Overview

Statutory Rules 1920 No. 267, issued under the Defence Act 1903-1918, was enacted by the Governor-General in Council to establish new financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets. This regulation, which came into effect immediately upon its publication, aimed to address the need for updated compensation structures for physical training staff within the military. The policy objective was to ensure that the remuneration for these positions reflected the skills and responsibilities required, while also providing a fair increment based on performance. The regulation replaced the previous pay structure, setting specific annual rates of pay and increments for various ranks, and ensuring these rates were inclusive of all allowances except those related to travel.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1920 No. 267, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, outline amendments to the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, specifically concerning the annual rates of pay for physical training staff. This regulation applies to the Chief Instructor, Instructor, and Assistant Instructor within the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, determining their remuneration and increments, which are subject to approval by the Minister of State for Defence. The specified rates of pay are inclusive of all allowances except those related to travel. The regulation also stipulates that members will receive their pay based on their rank as of 31st March, 1920, subject to satisfactory performance reports. The regulation applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia and is effective from 1st April, 1920, following the repeal of Regulation 336. The regulation extends its application through the amendment of financial and allowance regulations for military personnel and senior cadets, impacting their pay structures and conditions of service.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the regulation pertain to the financial and allowance regulations for the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets, specifically amending Regulation 336. Section 336(1) outlines the annual rates of pay for different ranks within the Physical Training Staff: the Chief Instructor is to be paid between £525 and £625, an Instructor between £400 and £500, and an Assistant Instructor between £300 and £375. Section 336(2) stipulates that these pay rates are inclusive of all allowances except those for travel. Furthermore, Section 336(3) provides that the rate of pay for each member from 1st April 1920 will be determined by the rank they held on 31st March 1920, subject to satisfactory reports and the approval of the Minister for any annual increments of £25. The regulation imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Firstly, it mandates that the annual rates of pay for the Physical Training Staff be adhered to as specified. This includes ensuring that the payments are made in accordance with the defined ranges and that any increments are approved by the relevant Minister. Additionally, the regulation requires that payments be inclusive of all allowances except those for travel, which must be accounted for separately. Furthermore, the regulation demands that each member's rate of pay from 1st April 1920 reflect what they would have earned had the regulation been in effect from the date of their appointment or promotion to their current rank on 31st March 1920, subject to satisfactory performance reports. The regulation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with the specified pay rates or allowances could potentially lead to administrative or disciplinary actions under the Defence Act 1903-1918, as the regulation operates within the framework of this overarching legislation. While specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation itself, breaches could result in corrective measures such as adjustments to pay, formal warnings, or other administrative sanctions.