STATUTORY RULES
1969 No. 176
REGULATIONS UNDER THE INTERIM FORCES BENEFITS ACT 1947-1967.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Interim Forces Benefits Act 1947-1967.
Dated this twenty-ninth day of October, 1969.
PAUL HASLUCK
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
R. W. SWARTZ
Minister of State for Civil Aviation for and on behalf of the Minister of State for Repatriation.
Amendments of the Interim Forces Benefits Regulations†
Expenses of travelling for medical treatment or pension purposes.
1.—(1.) Regulation 14 of the Interim Forces Benefits Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (4.) and inserting in its stead the following sub-regulation:—
“(4.) The amount payable under the last preceding sub-regulation shall not, unless the Commission considers that there are special circumstances justifying the payment of a greater amount, exceed—
(a) where the amount is payable in respect of travelling to or returning from a Capital City—Twelve dollars fifteen cents per person per day; or
(b) in any other case—Nine dollars fifty cents per person per day.”.
(2.) The amendment made by the last preceding sub-regulation applies in relation to expenses incurred on the date of commencement of the Repatriation Act 1969 or on any subsequent date.
Attendance Allowance.
2.—(1.) Regulation 14a of the Interim Forces Benefits Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from sub-regulation (3.) the words “Eighty-five cents” and inserting in their stead the words “One dollar”;
(b) by omitting from sub-regulation (4.) the words “One dollar twenty-eight cents” and “Six dollars eighty cents” and inserting in their stead the words “One dollar fifty cents” and “Eight dollars”, respectively; and
(c) by omitting from sub-regulation (5.) the words “Thirteen dollars sixty cents” and inserting in their stead the words “Sixteen dollars”.
(2.) An amendment made by the last preceding sub-regulation applies in relation to an attendance on the date of commencement of the Repatriation Act 1969 or on any subsequent date.
* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 6 November 1969.
† Statutory Rules 1947, No. 108, as amended by Statutory Rules 1948, Nos. 82, 136 and 138; 1950, No. 97; 1951, No. 8; 1953, No. 7; 1961, No. 118; 1965, No. 127; 1967, No. 151; and 1968, No. 124.
Printed for the Government of the Commonwealth by W. G. Murray at tie Government Printing Office, Canberra
22875/69—Price 5c
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1969 No. 176, the Interim Forces Benefits Regulations 1969, were enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Interim Forces Benefits Act 1947-1967. This legislation was introduced to amend the existing regulations concerning the benefits provided to members of the interim forces, specifically addressing the financial aspects of travel expenses for medical treatment or pension purposes and the attendance allowance. The policy objective behind these amendments was to ensure that the benefits were adjusted to reflect the changing economic conditions and to maintain the support provided to service members and their families.
These regulations, enacted on 29 October 1969, adjust the reimbursement rates for travel expenses and the attendance allowance for individuals covered under the Interim Forces Benefits Act. The changes include specific amounts for daily travel expenses to and from capital cities and other locations, as well as revised rates for attendance allowance, applicable from the commencement date of the Repatriation Act 1969 or any subsequent date. This legislative instrument aims to provide clarity and update the financial support mechanisms for interim forces members in alignment with contemporary standards.
Scope and Application
The Interim Forces Benefits Regulations 1969, made under the Interim Forces Benefits Act 1947-1967, pertain to the financial benefits provided to individuals who have served in the armed forces of Australia, particularly in relation to travel expenses for medical treatment and pension purposes. These regulations apply to all persons who are eligible for benefits under the Act, including veterans and their dependants, ensuring that they receive financial assistance for specific travel-related expenses incurred for medical treatment or pension purposes. The amendments to the regulations adjust the maximum allowable expenses for travel to or from capital cities and other locations, as well as updating the rates for attendance allowance. The changes are effective from the commencement date of the Repatriation Act 1969 and apply to all subsequent expenses incurred by eligible individuals. This legislative instrument, issued by the Governor-General and effective from 29 October 1969, sets out the parameters and application of the financial benefits provided under the Act, thereby ensuring clarity and consistency in the provision of benefits to those who have served in the Australian Defence Force.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of these Regulations (section 1 and 2) amend the Interim Forces Benefits Regulations, specifically updating the rates for travel expenses and attendance allowance. Under the amended Regulation 14(4), the daily rate for travel expenses has been adjusted. For travel to or from a capital city, the maximum payable amount is now $12.15 per person per day, whereas for any other travel, the amount is $9.50 per person per day. This amendment applies to expenses incurred from the commencement date of the Repatriation Act 1969 or any subsequent date. Furthermore, Regulation 14a has been updated to reflect new attendance allowance rates. Sub-regulation (3) now specifies $1.00, sub-regulation (4) specifies $1.50 and $8.00, and sub-regulation (5) specifies $16.00. These changes also apply to attendances occurring from the commencement date of the Repatriation Act 1969 or any subsequent date.
The obligations and requirements imposed by these Regulations are primarily concerned with the updated financial provisions for travel expenses and attendance allowance under the Interim Forces Benefits Act 1947-1967. The updated rates must be applied to any claims for travel expenses and attendance allowance made on or after the commencement date of the Repatriation Act 1969. This involves ensuring that claimants are reimbursed according to the new rates and that the relevant authorities are aware of these changes to avoid any discrepancies in the amounts paid out.
In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Regulations do not explicitly detail any specific sanctions for non-compliance with the updated rates. However, failure to adhere to these provisions could potentially lead to incorrect payments being made to claimants, which may be subject to review or audit by relevant authorities. It is important for the entities governed by these Regulations to ensure that they implement the updated rates accurately to avoid any potential financial discrepancies or legal repercussions.