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

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1914, No. 132, provisionally regulates amendments to Commonwealth Military Regulation 516 under the Defence Act 1903-1912. Enacted in 1914 by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were introduced to address urgent needs in the military forces of the Commonwealth, particularly concerning the compensation and structure of Cable Guards within the Rifle Clubs. This legislative instrument aims to clarify the pay scales and conditions for Cable Guard members, ensuring they are appropriately remunerated for their service, which is essential for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of these units. The regulations also outline the dissolution of Cable Guards if they fall below a certain efficiency standard after their initial formation.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, specifically amending Commonwealth Military Regulation 516, apply to members of Cable Guards, who are active members of Rifle Clubs within certain defined localities. These regulations pertain to military forces of the Commonwealth and focus on the roles, liabilities, and remuneration of Cable Guard members who are called out for active service or for the protection of cable stations. The revised Regulation 516 outlines the payment structure for Cable Guard members, with Honorary Captains, Sergeants, Corporals, and the remainder of the Guard receiving specific militia rates of pay. Members of Cable Guards are entitled to the same privileges and concessions as other active Rifle Club members, and a Cable Guard may be disbanded if more than 30 per cent of its members are deemed non-efficient after the first year of formation. These regulations come into immediate operation as a Provisional Regulation and are applicable nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Provisional Regulation, specifically Regulation 516 under the Defence Act 1903-1912, pertain to the establishment and operation of Cable Guards (Reg. 516(b)). This regulation mandates that Cable Guards must be composed of an approved number of active members from Rifle Clubs in defined localities. These members are liable to be called out for active service or for the protection of Cable Stations and landing places when required. Upon being called out, members of the Cable Guards are to be paid according to their rank, specifically: Honorary Captains are to be paid at the militia rate of pay as Lieutenants, Sergeants at the rate of Sergeants, Corporals at the rate of Corporals, and the remainder of the Guard at the rate of Privates (Trained Soldiers). Members of Cable Guards retain all the privileges and concessions of other active members of Rifle Clubs as outlined in the Regulations. Furthermore, if more than 30 percent of the members of a Cable Guard are found to be non-efficient after the first year of formation, the Cable Guard may be disbanded. The Provisional Regulation imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. Firstly, the Cable Guards must be constituted from an approved number of active Rifle Club members within the specified localities. These members must be ready to respond to calls for active service or for the protection of Cable Stations. Additionally, the Regulation stipulates the payment structure for these members based on their rank when called out. The Regulation also mandates that Cable Guard members enjoy the same privileges and concessions as other active Rifle Club members. Furthermore, if a significant proportion (over 30 percent) of the members are deemed non-efficient after the first year of the Cable Guard’s formation, the Guard may be disbanded. Regarding offences and penalties, the Provisional Regulation does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for breaches of its provisions. However, any failure to comply with the Regulation’s requirements, such as not responding to calls for service, or not maintaining the required efficiency levels, could potentially lead to disciplinary actions under the Defence Act 1903-1912 or other applicable military regulations. The disbandment of a Cable Guard for inefficiency is a significant consequence, reflecting the importance of maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness in the protection of Cable Stations.