Military Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1963 No. 23, enacted on 15 March 1963, consists of regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1956. These regulations were made by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and are intended to amend the Military Financial Regulations. The primary objective of these amendments is to adjust the special allowances for medical officers and dental officers within the Defence Force, ensuring these allowances are updated to reflect contemporary financial standards. These regulations apply to service rendered on and after the first day of December 1960, marking a formal step towards recognising and compensating the specific roles and responsibilities of medical and dental officers in the Australian Defence Force.

Scope and Application

These Regulations, made under the Defence Act 1903-1956, amend the Military Financial Regulations to revise the special allowances for medical officers and dental officers in the Australian Defence Force. Specifically, the amendments adjust the monetary values of the allowances set forth in Regulation 26 and Regulation 180, effective from December 1, 1960. These allowances are payable to medical officers and dental officers in accordance with the revised regulations, which increase the financial compensation for their services. The Regulations apply to individuals holding these positions within the Defence Force and do not specify any exclusions or exemptions from this application. The amendments are part of a broader set of financial regulations governing military personnel, and while they pertain directly to the Defence Force, their reach is limited to the adjustments specified within the Regulations themselves. The authority for these changes is derived from the Defence Act, with no additional subordinate instruments extending or restricting their application.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules of 1963, No. 23, under the Defence Act 1903-1956, primarily involve amendments to the Military Financial Regulations. These amendments focus on the special allowances for medical officers and dental officers. Regulation 26 (1)(b) and Regulation 180 (1)(b) of the Military Financial Regulations have been revised to increase the allowance for medical officers from one pound thirteen shillings and threepence to two pounds four shillings and threepence. Similarly, the allowance for dental officers has been increased from one pound thirteen shillings and sixpence to two pounds one shilling, as detailed in Regulation 26 (1)(c) and Regulation 180 (1)(c). These changes apply to service rendered on and after the first day of December 1960. The Regulations impose clear obligations on the relevant authorities to ensure that the amended allowances are correctly applied to eligible officers. Specifically, the authorities must verify the eligibility of medical and dental officers and ensure that they receive the updated allowances for their service post-December 1960. This involves updating records and payment systems to reflect the new financial provisions and ensuring that officers are informed of the changes and their entitlement to the increased allowances. Failure to comply with these Regulations could result in legal consequences. While the document does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, it is reasonable to infer that breaches of these financial regulations could lead to civil or administrative actions under the Defence Act. Such actions could include fines or other corrective measures to ensure compliance with the amended allowances. The precise penalties would depend on the specific breaches and the interpretation of relevant laws by the courts or administrative bodies.