STATUTORY RULES.
1914. No. 1.
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PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903–1912.
Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth—Regulation 71 (b)—Amendment.
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 Act 1903–1912 should come into immediate operation and, further, should be taken to have come into operation on and from the 8th day of October, 1913, and make the Regulation to come into operation accordingly as a Provisional Regulation.
Dated this eighth day of January, One thousand nine hundred and fourteen.
DENMAN,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. D. MILLEN.
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FINANCIAL AND ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Amendment.
Royal Australian Engineers.
In Regulation 71 (b)—
For—
“Good Conduct Pay (Regimental duty, Sappers only).”
Insert—
“Good Conduct Pay (Sappers only).”
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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.148.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1914 No. 1, titled "Provisional Regulations Under the Defence Act 1903–1912", represent a legislative instrument designed to address specific financial and allowance needs within the Australian military forces. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council on 8 January 1914, these regulations were issued under the Defence Act 1903–1912 to respond to an urgent need within the military's financial structure. The objective of these regulations was to make necessary amendments to the financial and allowance provisions for military personnel, particularly addressing the pay and allowances for members of the Royal Australian Engineers. This legislative instrument aimed to ensure that military personnel received appropriate financial support, thereby maintaining morale and operational efficiency within the armed forces.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1912, specifically amending Regulation 71 (b) regarding Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, applies to members of the Australian Defence Force, specifically the Royal Australian Engineers. These Regulations are aimed at modifying the criteria and scope of Good Conduct Pay eligibility, now extending it to all Sappers, not just those engaged in regimental duty. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, and they come into effect as a Provisional Regulation from 8 October 1913, signifying their immediate applicability. The regulations are part of a broader legislative instrument designed to streamline financial and allowance provisions within the Defence Act framework. These regulations extend their application through subordinate instruments to ensure comprehensive coverage and adherence to the stipulated amendments within the military forces.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of these Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1912 pertain to financial and allowance regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, specifically amending Regulation 71 (b) (1). Regulation 71 (b) now explicitly states "Good Conduct Pay (Sappers only)" instead of "Good Conduct Pay (Regimental duty, Sappers only)". This amendment clarifies the eligibility for Good Conduct Pay, which is now exclusively applicable to Sappers.
The obligations and requirements imposed by these Regulations on the parties or entities they govern involve ensuring that the financial and allowance policies for the Military Forces are updated and accurately reflect the legislative intent. For Sappers, the amendment means that their eligibility for Good Conduct Pay is now more clearly defined and restricted, ensuring that only those Sappers are considered who meet the specified criteria under the Regulations. This precision helps maintain transparency and fairness in the distribution of allowances.
The Regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches within the text provided. However, the importance of adhering to these financial and allowance regulations cannot be understated, as deviations from these guidelines could lead to administrative discrepancies or financial mismanagement. Such breaches might be subject to disciplinary actions under other provisions of the Defence Act or related military regulations, although specific penalties are not detailed in this excerpt. The overarching intent is to ensure that military personnel, particularly Sappers, receive their allowances correctly and in accordance with the law.
By specifying that these Regulations are to come into immediate operation and are considered to have been effective from 8 October 1913, the urgency and necessity of these amendments are underscored. This immediacy suggests that the changes were required to address an immediate need within the military financial structure, ensuring that all relevant parties are promptly informed and comply with the new provisions.