STATUTORY RULES.
1912. No. 19.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1911.
Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth—Addition—Regulation 284b.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby certify that, on account of urgency, the following Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1911 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulation to come into operation forthwith as a Provisional Regulation.
Dated this first day of February, One thousand nine hundred and twelve.
DENMAN,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE.
REGULATIONS (PROVISIONAL) FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Addition.
After Regulation 284a, add the following new Regulation:—
“284b. The members of the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent) shall be under the command of the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General of the Military District, or, in his absence, the officer detailed in District Orders to perform the duties of that office.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by J. Kemp, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.625.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1912, No. 19, specifically the Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1911, were enacted to provide immediate operational directives for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth. These regulations, particularly the addition of Regulation 284b, were introduced to address the urgent need for clear command structures within the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent). The regulations were issued by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to ensure that the military forces could operate effectively under the Defence Act 1903-1911. Regulation 284b specifically outlines the command hierarchy for members of the Australian Army Service Corps, assigning them under the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General of the Military District or another designated officer in the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General's absence. This regulation was designed to ensure a seamless transition in command and maintain operational continuity within the military forces.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1911, specifically Regulation 284b, apply to the members of the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent) and establish their command structure within the Military District. The regulation designates that these members shall be under the command of the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General of the Military District or, in his absence, the officer detailed in District Orders to perform the duties of that office. This regulation is effective as a provisional measure and comes into immediate operation, as certified by the Governor-General acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically impacting military personnel within the designated military districts. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text, but the scope is inherently restricted to the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent) members. The regulation might be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments as necessary for the administration and operation of the military forces.
Key Provisions
The main operative section of this legislation, specifically Regulation 284b (1), mandates that members of the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent) are to be under the command of the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General of the Military District. In the absence of this officer, the command falls to the officer designated in the District Orders to fulfil the duties of that office. This regulation provides a clear chain of command for the permanent members of the Australian Army Service Corps, ensuring that there is no ambiguity regarding authority within the military district.
These regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General, or the designated officer in his absence, must ensure that the members of the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent) are effectively commanded and managed. This includes overseeing their duties, maintaining discipline, and ensuring that they adhere to the rules and regulations of the military. Secondly, the members of the Australian Army Service Corps (permanent) must comply with the directives and commands issued by the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General or the designated officer. They are expected to perform their duties diligently and under the specified command structure.
Breach of these regulations could have serious consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the command structure could result in disciplinary action under the Defence Act 1903-1911. Such actions might include administrative penalties, reduction in rank, or even court-martial proceedings depending on the severity of the breach. The exact penalties would be determined in accordance with the relevant military law and the discretion of the commanding officer. However, the overarching principle is that maintaining the command structure is crucial for the effective operation of the military forces.