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

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912 No. 2, known as the Financial and Allowance Regulations (Provisional) for the Naval Force of the Commonwealth, was enacted in 1912 to address the need for provisional regulations governing financial and allowance matters within the naval forces of the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument was made under the authority of the Naval Defence Act 1910. The Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, certified the urgency of these regulations, which were intended to come into immediate operation from 1 December 1911. The primary policy objective of this regulation was to establish a provisional framework for the payment of removal allowances to naval personnel, ensuring that they received appropriate financial support during relocations within Australia. These provisional regulations aimed to provide a structured approach to allowances for the removal of household furniture and effects for naval officers and their families, reflecting the urgent need for clear guidelines to manage the logistical and financial aspects of personnel movements. The regulations set out specific allowances for various ranks and family compositions, ensuring that naval personnel were adequately compensated for relocation expenses while minimizing administrative burdens on the Department.

Scope and Application

The Financial and Allowance Regulations (Provisional) for the Naval Force of the Commonwealth, as specified in Statutory Rules 1912 No. 2, govern the allowances for the removal of household furniture for members of the Naval Force. These regulations apply to various ranks within the Naval Force, from Commander to Petty Officer, and cater for both single and married personnel, with additional allowances for children. The provisions establish a commuted allowance to cover all removal costs, excluding railway freight, which is handled separately. The regulations further clarify that these allowances are applicable across specific routes within Australia and to locations such as Thursday Island, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the relocation needs of Naval Force members. This legislation applies on a Commonwealth level, regulating financial and allowance aspects for the Naval Force, and comes into effect as a Provisional Regulation, allowing for immediate operation due to urgency, as certified by the Governor-General. The exclusions primarily concern personal baggage and railway freight, which are managed through separate vouchers.

Key Provisions

The Provisional Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910, specifically Regulation 75, govern the allowances for the removal of household furniture for members of the Naval Force of the Commonwealth. Regulation 75(3) outlines a detailed scale for these allowances based on rank and family composition, with specific amounts for different routes and conditions. For instance, for a Commander (or higher) with a family, the removal from Brisbane to Sydney is £900, while from Sydney to Melbourne, it is £1000. For a Lieutenant with eight years of seniority, the removal from Sydney to Melbourne is £900, and from Brisbane to Sydney is £800. These amounts vary for different ranks, such as Lieutenant (under 8 years seniority), Sub-Lieutenant, Commissioned Warrant-Officer, Warrant-Officer, and Petty Officer, or lower rating, and include additional sums for each child. These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved. Members of the Naval Force must submit claims for payment in accordance with the established scale, ensuring that they possess the necessary household furniture to qualify for the full allowance. The Department is not responsible for the removals, and members can dispose of their effects before relocation and purchase new items at the new station without affecting their entitlement to the allowance. The Naval Board retains the authority to adjust the allowance if the member's household furniture does not meet the required standards. In exceptional circumstances, the Commandant can recommend additional payments to cover the actual costs of removal, subject to Naval Board approval. The Regulations do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach; however, non-compliance with the outlined procedures for claiming allowances could result in the denial of payment or adjustment of the allowance. The Regulations emphasise the importance of adhering to the specified conditions for receiving the commuted allowance, such as possessing the required household furniture and submitting claims in accordance with the prescribed scale. Members who fail to meet these conditions may face reduced or denied allowances, highlighting the need for careful adherence to the stipulated requirements.