STATUTORY RULES.
1916. No. 251.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903–1915.
Financial and Allowance Regulation for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1915 to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this twelfth day of October, 1916.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency's Command,
ALBERT GARDINER,
Assistant Minister of State for Defence.
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Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth.
Amendment.
Regulation 82(b) is amended as follows:—
(1) Delete “Sergeant Farrier” and insert “Company Sergeant-Major” in lieu thereof.
(2) Alter “Company Sergeant-Major” and before “Sergeant” insert “Company Quartermaster-Sergeant—6s. 6d” and “allowances.”
(3) Alter “Shoeing-Smith” and before “Private or Driver” insert “Saddler—4s. 3d.”
Provided that Non-Commissioned Officers who held the rank of Farrier-Sergeant, prior to the coming into force of this amendment, and who are promoted to the rank of Company Quartermaster-Sergeant, shall continue to draw pay at the rate of 6s. 9d. per diem and allowance.
The above amendments shall be taken to have effect on and from the first day of August, 1916.
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Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.12686.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1916 No. 251, issued under the Defence Act 1903–1915, represents a regulatory amendment aimed at adjusting the financial and allowance structures within the military forces of the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Governor-General, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council, and came into immediate effect. The policy objective behind these amendments is to refine the remuneration and allowances for specific ranks within the military hierarchy, ensuring that the updated ranks and roles are adequately compensated according to their duties and responsibilities. These changes, which include the reclassification of certain roles and the adjustment of allowances, are intended to maintain fairness and accuracy in the compensation of military personnel.
Scope and Application
The Financial and Allowance Regulation for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, as stipulated in Statutory Rules 1916 No. 251, applies to members of the Australian Military Forces, including officers and non-commissioned personnel. These regulations govern the financial remuneration and allowances that are applicable to various ranks within the military, as well as the adjustments to these provisions to reflect changes in rank and responsibilities. The regulations are issued under the Defence Act 1903–1915, and hence their application is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia. The scope of these regulations is evident in the detailed amendments concerning the allowances for different ranks, such as the transition from Sergeant Farrier to Company Sergeant-Major, and the introduction of specific allowances for roles like Company Quartermaster-Sergeant and Saddler. Notably, these regulations also include provisions for transitional arrangements for personnel who were previously in the rank of Farrier-Sergeant and are subsequently promoted to Company Quartermaster-Sergeant. The changes are effective from August 1, 1916, and the regulations are subject to further amendments through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of these regulations, as per Regulation 82(b) of the Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, involve amendments to the pay and allowances for specific ranks within the military. Regulation 82(b)(1) replaces the term “Sergeant Farrier” with “Company Sergeant-Major.” Regulation 82(b)(2) modifies the pay structure by inserting “Company Quartermaster-Sergeant—6s. 6d” before “Sergeant” and adding “allowances.” Furthermore, Regulation 82(b)(3) inserts “Saddler—4s. 3d” before “Private or Driver.” These changes are effective from August 1, 1916, and also include a provision for Non-Commissioned Officers previously holding the rank of Farrier-Sergeant, who are promoted to Company Quartermaster-Sergeant, to continue drawing pay at the rate of 6s. 9d. per diem and allowance.
The obligations imposed by these regulations primarily concern the financial administration within the military. The Department of Defence and its subordinate bodies must ensure that the appropriate pay rates and allowances are calculated and disbursed to the affected personnel in accordance with the amended regulations. This involves updating payroll records and ensuring that all relevant personnel are aware of the changes to their pay and allowances.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, while the regulations themselves do not explicitly outline penalties for failing to adhere to the financial amendments, breaches of the Defence Act 1903–1915, under which these regulations are made, could result in both civil and criminal repercussions. The Defence Act provides for various offences related to the administration of military forces, including the unauthorised payment of allowances or wages, which could lead to criminal charges. Penalties for such offences could include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, any financial mismanagement could result in disciplinary action against the responsible officials within the Department of Defence.