Military Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1964, No. 166, made under the Defence Act 1903-1964, aim to update and amend the Military Financial Regulations by adjusting the consolidated rates of pay and the Second Schedule, which details the pay for various ranks within the military. Enacted by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the Regulations were designed to address discrepancies in military pay rates. The policy objective is to ensure that military personnel are compensated fairly and in accordance with current standards, thereby maintaining morale and professional standards within the Defence Force. The amendments apply to service of the office of Chief of the General Staff on and after the first day of November, 1964, and to the service of native members in the rank of Warrant Officer, Class II, on and after the third day of December, 1964.

Scope and Application

These Regulations, made under the Defence Act 1903-1964, pertain specifically to amendments of the Military Financial Regulations, primarily affecting the consolidated rates of pay and the Second Schedule concerning the rank of Warrant Officer, Class II. The amendments to Regulation 10 of the Military Financial Regulations apply to the Chief of the General Staff's service on and after November 1, 1964, while the changes to the Second Schedule apply to native members in the rank of Warrant Officer, Class II, from December 3, 1964, onward. These Regulations are applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and do not extend beyond this jurisdiction unless specified by subordinate instruments. Notably, the Regulations do not explicitly state exclusions or thresholds, but their application is limited to the specified ranks and dates mentioned. The authority to extend or restrict the application of these Regulations through subordinate instruments is implied but not elaborated upon in the text.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1964, No. 166, issued under the Defence Act 1903-1964, primarily focus on amending the Military Financial Regulations. Specifically, Regulation 1 of these Rules adjusts the consolidated rates of pay, altering Regulation 10 of the Military Financial Regulations by changing the base pay figure from "Six thousand one hundred and fifty" to "Seven thousand seven hundred and fifty" (Reg. 1). This change is effective from the first day of November 1964 for the Chief of the General Staff (Reg. 3(1)). Additionally, Regulation 2 modifies the Second Schedule to the Military Financial Regulations by updating the pay scale for Warrant Officers, Class II, and Sergeants with less than one year’s service in their respective ranks. This adjustment applies from the third day of December 1964 for native members in the rank of Warrant Officer, Class II (Reg. 3(2)). These regulations impose specific obligations on the Defence Force, requiring them to adhere to the new pay scales as amended. The Chief of the General Staff and other members in the specified ranks must receive their remuneration according to the updated figures provided. This includes ensuring that payroll systems are updated to reflect the new rates, and that all financial transactions and records are accurate and compliant with the statutory amendments. Violations of these regulations could lead to serious consequences. While the document does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties for non-compliance, breaches of regulations under the Defence Act could result in disciplinary actions or other legal consequences as prescribed by relevant military laws. The penalties could range from administrative sanctions to more severe disciplinary measures, depending on the nature and severity of the breach.