STATUTORY RULES.
1911. No. 200.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1910.
Addition to Commonwealth Military Regulations—78a, b, 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 1903-1910 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulation to come into operation forthwith as a Provisional Regulation.
Dated this twenty-ninth day of November, One thousand nine hundred and eleven.
DENMAN,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE.
Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth.
Addition.
After Regulation 78, add:—
Appointment of Officers in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent).
78a. A Permanent Section of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps may be formed of such officers and other ranks as may be appointed thereto. The Permanent Section of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps shall for purposes of organization, administration, and discipline form portion of the Administrative and Instructional Staff.
78b. The Officers of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent) will be appointed Staff Officers for Veterinary Services.
They will carry out their duties under the orders of the Principal Veterinary Officer or Senior Veterinary Officer of the District.
They will assist the Principal Veterinary Officer or Senior Veterinary Officer in his duties, and will, under his direction, carry out all veterinary duties in regard to horses on the permanent military establishment.
C.17114.—Price 3d.
78c. (1) Notices of vacancies in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent) will be given by advertisement in all the States and by notice in Military and District Orders.
(2) Applications from candidates will be received by District Commandants, who will forward the same to the Military Board. When forwarding applications District Commandants will state their opinion of the fitness of each candidate for appointment. Candidates will be informed of the Military Board's approval of their nomination or otherwise to undergo the examination prescribed.
(3) To be eligible for appointment a candidate must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years, be certified by a Medical Board to be physically qualified, and be in possession of a degree or diploma of a University or other institution approved by the Military Board.
(4) Should there be more candidates than vacancies, the examination will be competitive. The examination shall be of a practical character, and shall have reference to the treatment of the diseases of and injuries to horses.
(5) First appointments will be made to the rank of Captain. A successful candidate will be appointed for twelve (12) months on probation. During this period he will be required to pass a qualifying examination. The subjects and scope of the examination shall be set out from time to time in Standing or other Orders.
(6) Officers of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent) will not be permitted the right of private practice.
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by J. Kemp, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
The Statutory Rules of 1911, No. 200, titled "Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1910," were introduced to address the need for the establishment of a Permanent Section within the Australian Army Veterinary Corps. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these Provisional Regulations were certified as urgent and came into immediate operation. The objective of these regulations was to formalise the structure, administration, and disciplinary protocols for the Veterinary Corps, ensuring that it forms part of the Administrative and Instructional Staff. Furthermore, the regulations outline the criteria and procedures for the appointment of veterinary officers, stipulating that candidates must meet certain age, physical fitness, and educational qualifications, and that the appointments would be competitive if there are more candidates than available positions. These regulations were a crucial step in establishing a professional and disciplined veterinary service within the military forces of the Commonwealth.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1910 pertain specifically to the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent), outlining provisions for the appointment and duties of its officers. These regulations apply to individuals who are to be appointed as officers within this corps, which includes both the establishment of a permanent section and the specific roles and qualifications required for such positions. The regulations set forth the criteria for eligibility, which include age, physical qualification, and academic qualifications, as well as the procedures for application and selection, including competitive examinations focused on veterinary services for horses. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations also stipulate that these officers will be part of the Administrative and Instructional Staff and will operate under the directives of the Principal or Senior Veterinary Officers of their respective districts. Additionally, these officers are prohibited from engaging in private veterinary practice, ensuring their exclusive focus on military duties.
Key Provisions
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1910, specifically Regulations 78a, 78b, and 78c, detail the establishment and operational framework for the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent). Regulation 78a establishes that a Permanent Section of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps can be formed, which will be integrated into the Administrative and Instructional Staff, focusing on organisation, administration, and discipline. Regulation 78b specifies that officers in this corps will be designated as Staff Officers for Veterinary Services and will work under the direction of the Principal or Senior Veterinary Officer, executing veterinary duties related to horses within the permanent military establishment. Regulation 78c outlines the process for appointing officers to this corps, including the advertisement of vacancies, the submission and evaluation of applications, eligibility criteria, and the nature of the competitive examination focused on horse-related veterinary care.
The regulations impose several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. District Commandants are tasked with receiving and forwarding applications from candidates to the Military Board, along with their assessments of the candidates' suitability. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age, physical fitness certification, and possession of a relevant degree or diploma. Additionally, candidates must successfully pass a competitive examination that tests their practical knowledge of horse diseases and injuries. Once appointed, officers must undergo a probationary period of twelve months and pass a qualifying examination to secure their position permanently. Furthermore, officers in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps (Permanent) are explicitly prohibited from engaging in private veterinary practice.
Breach of the regulations or failure to meet the outlined requirements may result in various consequences. The regulations do not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties, but non-compliance with the stipulated processes for appointment, eligibility criteria, and examination requirements could lead to disqualification from the appointment process. Additionally, engaging in private veterinary practice despite the prohibition could result in disciplinary actions, including dismissal from service. The precise legal consequences for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in these regulations but would likely be addressed under the broader Defence Act 1903-1910 or subsequent military disciplinary codes.