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

Overview

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, specifically Statutory Rules 1913 No. 280, were introduced to address the immediate need for financial and allowance regulations for the military forces of the Commonwealth. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these provisional regulations were designed to come into immediate operation due to their urgency. The policy objective of these regulations was to ensure that military officers who participated in specific training camps, such as the practice camp of the Royal Australian Field Artillery held at National Park in the 2nd Military District during November and December 1912, were eligible for the allowances prescribed under the regulation, without requiring them to obtain a "passed" or higher certificate. This amendment was crucial in recognising the contributions of Militia Field Artillery officers who attended the aforementioned camp and ensuring they received the appropriate allowances.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, as amended by Statutory Rule 1913 No. 280, apply specifically to officers of the Militia Field Artillery who participated in the practice camp of the Royal Australian Field Artillery held at National Park in the 2nd Military District during November and December of 1912. The amendment made to Regulation 181c ensures that these officers are eligible to draw the allowance prescribed in this regulation without the necessity of having obtained a "passed" or higher certificate. These regulations pertain to the financial and allowance aspects of the military forces of the Commonwealth, establishing a specific scope and conditions for remuneration during the specified period and event. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is Commonwealth-wide, as they are enacted under the authority of the Defence Act 1903-1912, which is a federal statute. There are no exclusions or exemptions explicitly stated within this amendment, but the application is limited to the specified group of officers and the outlined time frame.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this Statutory Rule, numbered 181c, amends the existing Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, specifically focusing on allowances for officers attending certain training camps. According to this amendment, Regulation 181c now includes officers of the Militia Field Artillery who participated in the practice Camp of the Royal Australian Field Artillery at National Park, 2nd Military District, during November and December 1912. This amendment extends eligibility for the prescribed allowance to these officers, irrespective of whether they obtained a "passed" or higher certificate. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Firstly, it mandates that the allowance regulations apply to the specified officers, ensuring they receive the prescribed financial support. The Act also requires that these officers were present and actively participating in the designated training camp during the specified months to qualify for the allowance. Furthermore, the Act removes the prerequisite of a "passed" or higher certificate for these particular officers, streamlining the eligibility criteria. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences mentioned in the Statutory Rule for breach of these provisions. However, any non-compliance with the financial regulations or misrepresentation of eligibility could potentially lead to disciplinary actions under the Defence Act 1903-1912 or other relevant military regulations. It is crucial that officers adhere strictly to the conditions stipulated to avoid any adverse outcomes that might arise from misinterpretation or deliberate circumvention of the regulations.