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

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1918, No. 165, titled "Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912," were enacted to address the need for updated financial and allowance regulations for the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation from specified dates mentioned within the regulations. The policy objective was to provide comprehensive and fair compensation for various ranks and roles within the naval forces, ensuring that personnel are appropriately remunerated for their duties, particularly in light of the operational demands during the First World War. The amendments included adjustments to allowances for officers and men, as well as pay scales for the Naval Dockyard Police, reflecting the changing requirements and responsibilities of naval personnel during this period.

Scope and Application

The Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth, promulgated under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912, apply specifically to members of the Naval Forces, including both commissioned and non-commissioned officers, as well as naval dockyard police. These regulations govern the pay and allowances for these personnel, with particular amendments made to account for specific duties such as torpedo control and telegraphist roles, reflecting the operational needs during wartime. The regulations also address the pay structures for naval dockyard police, including adjustments to their annual salaries and the introduction of a lodging allowance. The regulations are effective from specified dates in 1916 and 1917, and certain allowances are payable only during the duration of the war. The scope of these regulations is confined to the Commonwealth, applying across all states and territories within Australia, and are subject to amendments through subordinate instruments as detailed in the statutory rules.

Key Provisions

The Financial and Allowance Regulations for the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth, set out in Statutory Rules 1918 No. 165, introduce various amendments to the existing pay and allowances for personnel in the Naval Forces. These regulations, under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912, are effective from specific dates in 1917 and 1916. For instance, Regulation 42(III) introduces a new allowance for commissioned officers performing torpedo control duties, known as the Torpedo Control Allowance, set at 1 shilling per day from April 1, 1917. Similarly, Regulation 43(V) adds a new allowance for Torpedo Lieutenant’s Writer, payable at 3 pence per day in ships where a Lieutenant (T) is listed, effective from July 1, 1917. Additionally, this regulation introduces a Watchkeeping Allowance for Ordinary Telegraphists at 6 pence per day and for Boy Telegraphists at 3 pence per day, also effective from July 1, 1917, and payable only during the war. These regulations impose specific obligations on the relevant personnel and entities within the Naval Forces. For example, commissioned officers performing torpedo control duties must qualify for the new Torpedo Control Allowance, and their pay records must reflect this additional allowance. Similarly, Torpedo Lieutenant’s Writers and Telegraphists must ensure their service conditions meet the criteria for the newly introduced allowances. The regulations also stipulate that these allowances are payable during the duration of the war, ensuring that all eligible personnel receive the specified rates during the conflict. The breach of these regulations or failure to comply with the stipulated pay and allowance provisions can lead to various consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or criminal consequences, it is inferred that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary actions under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912. Personnel failing to receive their entitled allowances or those who misreport their duties to secure additional pay could face administrative penalties, including possible demotion or other disciplinary measures. The precise nature of the penalties would be determined by the Naval Defence Act, but the regulations ensure that all eligible personnel receive their rightful compensation during the war.