Military Forces of the Commonwealth Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912 No. 61, titled "Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1911," was enacted in 1912 to address the urgent need for provisional amendments to the regulations governing the military forces of the Commonwealth. The Defence Act 1903-1911, which was the primary legislation governing Australia's military forces at the time, necessitated these provisional regulations to ensure effective and immediate governance over the military forces. The regulations were enacted by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. These provisional regulations, specifically amending Regulation 558, aimed to establish two State Rifle Associations within the First Military District, delineating their geographical areas based on specific latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. This amendment was made to facilitate better organisation and administration of military training and operations within the designated regions. The policy objective behind these regulations was to provide a provisional framework that could be swiftly implemented to address the immediate needs of the military forces, ensuring continuity and efficiency in military governance during a period of urgency.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1911, specifically Regulation 558, pertains to the military forces of the Commonwealth and dictates the structure of State Rifle Associations within the First Military District of Queensland. The amendment specifies that there shall be two distinct State Rifle Associations within this district: the Northern Queensland State Rifle Association, which encompasses the area north of a delineated boundary line, and the Southern Queensland State Rifle Association, covering the area south of this line. The boundary commences on the eastern coast of Queensland at latitude 22 degrees south, extends westerly along the 22nd parallel to its intersection with Landsborough Creek, then continues in a south-westerly direction to the intersection of longitude 143 degrees 20 minutes east and latitude 23 degrees south, finally extending westerly along the 23rd parallel to the South Australian border. The regulation applies to any persons or entities involved with the military forces of the Commonwealth within this geographic scope, and its provisions are effective immediately as certified by the Governor-General.

Key Provisions

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1911, particularly Regulation 558, introduce specific provisions regarding the division of the First Military District in Queensland into two distinct State Rifle Associations. The Northern Queensland State Rifle Association is to be established in the northern part of the district, while the Southern Queensland State Rifle Association will be set up in the southern part (Regulation 558(a)). The demarcation is clearly outlined, beginning on the eastern coast at latitude 22 degrees south, then moving westerly along the 22nd parallel to intersect with Landsborough Creek, continuing southwest to the intersection of longitude 143 degrees 20 minutes east and latitude 23 degrees south, and finally proceeding westerly along the 23rd parallel to reach the South Australian border. These regulations impose specific obligations on the entities involved, namely the Northern and Southern Queensland State Rifle Associations. They are required to operate within the defined geographic boundaries set out in the regulation, ensuring that their activities, membership, and operations adhere to the specified areas. This division is crucial for administrative and operational purposes, facilitating better management and coordination within the military forces of the Commonwealth. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in these regulations can lead to various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation itself, breaches of Defence Act regulations can generally lead to legal action under the Act. This may include fines, imprisonment, or other penalties as deemed appropriate by a court. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the specific provisions of the Defence Act that are contravened. It is important for the associations to strictly adhere to the boundaries and requirements set out to avoid any legal repercussions.