STATUTORY RULES.
1908. No. 34.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACTS 1903-1904.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby certify that on account of urgency the following Regulation under the Defence Acts 1903–1904 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulation to come into operation forthwith as a Provisional Regulation.
Dated this 12th day of March, One thousand nine hundred and eight.
NORTHCOTE,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
THOS. EWING.
Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth.
Part VIII.—Allowances.
Section VI.—Rations.
Regulation 167 is amended as follows:—
For “1¼ lbs. fresh or 1 lb. preserved meat” substitute “1½ lbs. fresh or 1 lb. preserved meat.”
For “1 lb. potatoes or fresh vegetables” substitute “1 lb. potatoes and ¼ lb. other vegetables.”
For “½ lb. butter” substitute “¾ lb. butter.”
By Authority: J. Kemp, Government Printer, Melbourne.
C.2257.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1908 No. 34, Provisional Regulations Under the Defence Acts 1903-1904, was enacted by the Governor-General in Council to provide urgent financial and allowance regulations for the military forces of the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for immediate and practical regulations concerning the allowances, rations, and financial aspects of the military forces. The urgency behind this Provisional Regulation was acknowledged by the Governor-General, who certified that it should come into immediate operation. The policy objective of this regulation is to ensure that military personnel are adequately provided for in terms of rations and allowances, reflecting the practical needs of the forces at the time.
The enacting body responsible for this regulation is the Governor-General in Council, which underscores the urgency and necessity of the provisions being implemented without delay. The regulation specifically amends the rations provided to military personnel, enhancing the quantity and variety of food items to better meet their nutritional needs. This amendment reflects a commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, ensuring they are sufficiently supported in their duties.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903-1904, as presented in Statutory Rules 1908 No. 34, pertain specifically to the financial and allowance regulations for the military forces of the Commonwealth. These regulations are designed to govern the provision of rations to military personnel, ensuring that their nutritional needs are met while serving in the armed forces. This legislative instrument applies to all members of the military forces of the Commonwealth, dictating the quantities and types of food rations to be provided. The regulations extend across the entire Commonwealth, thereby affecting all military personnel regardless of their location within Australia. Notably, these provisions are enacted as provisional regulations, indicating their immediate operational necessity. The regulations do not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but they do set specific standards for the rations to be provided, thus ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of essential nutrients to support the health and performance of military personnel.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of Statutory Rules 1908 No. 34 pertain primarily to the amendments of rations for military personnel as outlined in Regulation 167 under the Defence Acts 1903-1904. Specifically, Section VI, Part VIII of the Regulations has been updated to enhance the quantity and quality of rations provided. The new provisions replace "1¼ lbs. fresh or 1 lb. preserved meat" with "1½ lbs. fresh or 1 lb. preserved meat," indicating an increase in the amount of meat provided. Similarly, "1 lb. potatoes or fresh vegetables" is now "1 lb. potatoes and ¼ lb. other vegetables," ensuring that personnel receive a mix of both potatoes and other fresh vegetables. The quantity of butter has also been increased from "½ lb." to "¾ lb." These changes aim to improve the nutritional intake of military personnel.
The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations on the parties involved—primarily the Commonwealth and the military personnel—are straightforward. The Commonwealth is required to provide the specified quantities of rations as outlined in the amended Regulation 167. This includes ensuring that the rations are fresh, preserved, and of the correct weight as specified. The military personnel, on the other hand, are required to consume the rations as provided, understanding that these provisions are in place to maintain their health and well-being while in service.
There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences detailed within these regulations for breaches of the rations provisions. However, it is reasonable to infer that any failure by the Commonwealth to provide the specified rations could be seen as a breach of duty, potentially leading to administrative or disciplinary action. Such breaches might also result in legal recourse by affected military personnel for non-compliance with the statutory requirements for their sustenance. While the regulations themselves do not detail maximum penalties, breaches of statutory duties in a military context could attract significant consequences under other provisions of the Defence Acts or related military laws.