STATUTORY RULES
1909. No. 145.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACTS 1903-1904.
I, THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GOVERNMENT of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby certify that on account of urgency the following Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903-1904 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulations to come into operation forthwith as Provisional Regulations.
Dated this 21st day of December, One thousand nine hundred and nine.
CHELMSFORD,
Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth.
By His Excellency’s Command,
JOSEPH COOK.
REGULATIONS (PROVISIONAL) FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Amendment.
Rifle Clubs.
The amendment to Regulation 540 promulgated by Statutory Rule 110 of 1909 is cancelled, and the following substituted—
“Where, for the convenience of the different clubs allotted to any District Rifle Club Union or Association, the rifle club range selected to be the District Union or Association Rifle Range requires construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement, a sum of money (in equal proportions from each club) not exceeding 25 per cent. of the unexpended balance of the grant, as provided for in Regulation 540, lying to the credit of the various clubs allotted to such District Rifle Club Union or Association, may, with the consent of the District Commandant, be expended on such construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement of the District Union or Association Rifle Range.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by J. Kemp, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.16776.—Price 3d.
Overview
Statutory Rules 1909, No. 145, titled "Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903-1904," was enacted to provide immediate effect to certain provisions concerning the military forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislation was introduced to address the need for urgent modifications to existing military regulations, specifically those relating to the allocation of funds for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement of rifle club ranges. The enacting body was the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and the policy objective was to ensure that necessary infrastructure improvements could be undertaken without delay to support the military preparedness and training of the nation. The provisional nature of these regulations underscores the urgency with which these adjustments were required.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903-1904, specifically detailed in Statutory Rule 1909 No. 145, pertain to the military forces of the Commonwealth and address the allocation and expenditure of funds for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement of rifle club ranges. These Regulations apply to rifle clubs within District Rifle Club Unions or Associations, and they necessitate the approval of the District Commandant before any funds are disbursed. The monetary limit for such expenditures is set at 25 per cent of the unexpended balance of the grant specified in Regulation 540, with contributions from the participating clubs being made in equal proportions. The Regulations are intended to facilitate the operational readiness and efficiency of the military forces by ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is adequately maintained or improved. While the Regulations primarily focus on financial provisions for rifle clubs, they are part of a broader legislative framework that governs the administration and operational aspects of the military in Australia.
Key Provisions
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903-1904, as promulgated in Statutory Rules 1909, No. 145, introduce specific provisions concerning the management and use of rifle club ranges by District Rifle Club Unions or Associations. Section 540, which had been previously amended by Statutory Rule 110 of 1909, is now repealed and replaced with new provisions. Under the new regulation, when a rifle club range designated for a District Rifle Club Union or Association requires construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement, a sum of money not exceeding 25 per cent. of the unexpended balance of the grant, contributed equally by each club, can be used for these purposes, subject to the consent of the District Commandant. This measure ensures that the necessary improvements to the rifle ranges can be made efficiently and fairly.
These regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. Rifle clubs that are part of a District Rifle Club Union or Association must contribute to the fund for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement of the designated rifle range in equal proportions. The District Commandant's consent is required before any expenditure is made from the fund. This ensures that there is oversight and approval from the military authorities, maintaining the alignment of the improvements with broader military objectives and standards.
Failure to adhere to the provisions set forth in these regulations can lead to various consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed within the excerpt provided, the requirement for District Commandant's consent implies a level of accountability. Non-compliance could potentially result in the disapproval of fund usage or other administrative actions to ensure adherence to the regulations. Given the context of the Defence Acts 1903-1904, any serious breaches might also involve more severe penalties, but these are not explicitly stated in the excerpt.