STATUTORY RULES.
1912. No. 6.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1911.
Amendment to Commonwealth Military Regulation 160(c).
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 fifth day of January, 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.
Amendment.
In Regulation 160(c)—
For—
(ii.) “other candidates, provided they are between the ages of 16 and 22 years.”
Read—
(ii.) “other candidates, provided they are between the ages of 16 and 24 years.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by J. Kemp, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.24—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1912, No. 6, issued under the Defence Act 1903-1911, introduce Provisional Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Governor-General in Council, aims to address an urgent need within the Commonwealth's military recruitment framework. The specific regulation amendment extends the permissible age range for military candidates from 16 to 22 years to 16 to 24 years, thereby broadening the pool of eligible recruits and potentially enhancing the strength and capabilities of the military forces. The urgency and the immediate operational effect of these regulations underscore the importance of this legislative adjustment in the context of national defence.
Scope and Application
This provisional regulation, made under the Defence Act 1903-1911, pertains specifically to the military forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, amending Regulation 160(c) to adjust the age criteria for other candidates seeking to join these forces. The amendment extends the eligible age range from 16 to 22 years to 16 to 24 years. This alteration applies to individuals who wish to enlist in the military forces, thereby broadening the pool of potential recruits by including those up to the age of 24. The regulation operates within the national jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and is immediately effective, reflecting the urgency of the amendment as certified by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council. The scope of this regulation is narrowly focused on the age extension for enlistment eligibility within the military forces, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the parameters of this specific amendment.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1911, as amended, pertain to Regulation 160(c) (1). Specifically, this regulation governs the age requirements for candidates seeking to join the military forces of the Commonwealth. Originally, Regulation 160(c) allowed for candidates between the ages of 16 and 22 years. However, the amendment now extends this eligibility to candidates up to the age of 24 years (1). This change broadens the pool of potential recruits by including individuals up to two years older than previously allowed.
Under these provisional regulations, the Defence Act 1903-1911 imposes specific obligations on both the military forces and prospective recruits (2). The military forces must now accept candidates who meet the updated age criteria, while recruits must ensure they fall within the new age range before applying. This amendment reflects an adjustment to the selection criteria for military personnel, ensuring that a wider age group can be considered for service. Compliance with these age requirements is essential for both parties to adhere to the legislative framework.
Breaching the provisions of these provisional regulations can lead to various consequences. While specific offences are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with age requirements could result in disqualification from military service (3). This disqualification may be viewed as a civil consequence, as it directly affects an individual's eligibility to enlist. Additionally, if these regulations were to be incorporated into a more permanent legislative framework, breaches might incur further penalties, including fines or other sanctions, although such details are not provided in this particular statutory rule.