Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1913 No. 234, under the Defence Act 1903-1912, addresses a pressing need to amend financial and allowance regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth. This provisional regulation was enacted to address the urgent requirements of the military personnel, particularly focusing on the allowances for chaplains. The regulation was issued by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to ensure that these changes come into immediate effect. The policy objective is to provide a more consistent and fair allowance system for chaplains who are detailed for duty at Camps of Training, ensuring they receive appropriate financial support and benefits comparable to other ranks.

Scope and Application

The Financial and Allowance Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, as amended by Statutory Rules 1913 No. 234, applies to chaplains within the Australian Military Forces. This regulation specifies the allowances and benefits that chaplains are entitled to when they are detailed for duty at Camps of Training. Specifically, it adjusts their field allowance from a previously stipulated 10 shillings per diem to 7 shillings and sixpence per diem, irrespective of their rank. Additionally, chaplains are entitled to their relative rank's travelling allowance when travelling to and from camp, and they are also granted rations while in camp. The regulation further stipulates that chaplains will be allowed the partial service of a batman, similar to officers of the Permanent Forces. This regulation is part of the Defence Act 1903-1912 and is issued as a provisional regulation due to its urgency, effective immediately upon certification by the Governor-General. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is nationwide, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this specific regulation, though the broader context of the Defence Act may impose additional parameters.

Key Provisions

The Financial and Allowance Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, as amended by Statutory Rules 1913, No. 234, make significant changes to the allowances provided to chaplains in the military forces. Specifically, Regulation 188 has been altered to reflect new provisions concerning the allowances for chaplains who are detailed for duty at Camps of Training (Reg. 188). The previous provisions, which provided a daily allowance of 10 shillings to chaplains, have been replaced with a new structure. Under the amendment, chaplains will receive a field allowance of 7 shillings and 6 pence per diem, regardless of their rank, and they will be provided with rations while in camp. Additionally, they will be entitled to a travelling allowance that corresponds to their rank when travelling to and from the camp, and they will be granted the partial service of a batman, similar to officers of the Permanent Forces. These changes impose new obligations on the military authorities to ensure that chaplains receive the specified allowances when they are detailed for duty at Camps of Training. This includes calculating and disbursing the new field and travelling allowances, providing rations, and arranging for the partial service of a batman. The regulations also require that the appropriate documentation and records be maintained to substantiate the allowances provided and to ensure compliance with the new provisions. Failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in the amended Regulation 188 could result in non-compliance with the statutory requirements and potentially lead to administrative or disciplinary actions against the responsible military authorities. While the specific legal consequences are not detailed in the statutory rules, breaches of such regulations could lead to inquiries, sanctions, or other corrective measures to ensure that the entitlements are properly administered. The precise penalties or consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any additional legislative provisions that may apply.