STATUTORY RULES.
1914. No. 31.
_______
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1912.
Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth—Regulation 558—Amendment.
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 1903-1912 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulation to come into operation forthwith as a Provisional Regulation.
Dated this seventh day of April, One thousand nine hundred and fourteen.
DENMAN,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. D. M1LLEN.
REGULATIONS FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Amendment.
State Rifle Associations.
Regulation 558 is cancelled and the following substituted therefor:—
“558. In each Military District there shall be a State Rifle Association which shall be governed by a Council consisting of a President, one representative of the Naval Forces nominated by the District Naval Officer, the authorized number of representatives of District Rifle Club Unions, such number of elected members as shall be provided by the Rules of the Association, and a number of members equal to the number of elected members to be appointed annually by the District Commandant.
“The Council shall be charged with the conduct of all rifle matches (other than those laid down by the Military Regulations) and the promotion of rifle shooting generally.
“The District Commandant shall be the President, ex officio, and shall preside at all meetings of the Council at which he may be present, but may, if he so desires, at any such meeting delegate such duty to the Chairman elected by the Council.
“The Council will as a consultative body also assist the Commandant in all matters affecting the interests of rifle shooting in the Military District, or portion of the Military District, allotted to such Association.”
_____________________________
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.4001—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1914, No. 31, establishes Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, specifically concerning the Military Forces of the Commonwealth. This legislation was enacted to address the urgent need to formalise the governance and operational structure of State Rifle Associations within each Military District. The Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, certifies the immediate operation of these regulations due to their pressing nature. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that State Rifle Associations are effectively governed and that they support the broader aims of promoting and regulating rifle shooting activities within the Military Districts. The Council of the Association, composed of various representatives and elected members, is entrusted with conducting rifle matches and advising the District Commandant on matters related to rifle shooting.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912 specifically pertain to the establishment and governance of State Rifle Associations within each Military District in Australia. These associations are integral to the regulation and promotion of rifle shooting across the military districts, with their governance vested in a Council that includes a President, a representative from the Naval Forces, representatives from District Rifle Club Unions, elected members, and additional members appointed annually by the District Commandant. This council not only oversees all rifle matches, excluding those specified by military regulations, but also consults with the District Commandant on matters relevant to the interests of rifle shooting within their assigned district. The regulations underscore the importance of these associations in fostering the practice of rifle shooting and ensuring its alignment with military objectives. The scope of these regulations is nationwide, reflecting the comprehensive approach taken by the Commonwealth to integrate civilian rifle associations into the broader military framework. The regulations do not explicitly mention any exclusions or thresholds, implying that all State Rifle Associations within the designated military districts are subject to these provisions. The regulations come into immediate effect, highlighting their urgency and the importance of establishing these associations promptly.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of the Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, specifically Regulation 558, mandate the establishment of a State Rifle Association within each Military District. This association is governed by a council (Reg. 558(1)), which includes a President, a representative from the Naval Forces, representatives from District Rifle Club Unions, elected members, and members appointed by the District Commandant. The council is tasked with the organisation and promotion of rifle matches and shooting within the district (Reg. 558(2)). Additionally, the District Commandant serves as the ex officio President of the council and can delegate the presiding duties to an elected Chairman (Reg. 558(3)).
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. The council must ensure the proper conduct of all rifle matches unless they are specified by the Military Regulations (Reg. 558(2)). It also has a consultative role in assisting the District Commandant on matters related to rifle shooting interests in the district (Reg. 558(4)). The District Commandant, as the ex officio President, must ensure the council operates effectively and can delegate duties if necessary (Reg. 558(3)). Each member of the council has specific roles and responsibilities, including representatives from the Naval Forces and District Rifle Club Unions, who are nominated or elected according to the rules of the association (Reg. 558(1)).
Violations of the regulations could lead to various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of military regulations generally could result in disciplinary actions under military law. These may include fines, imprisonment, or other penalties as prescribed by the Defence Act 1903-1912. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the specific regulations contravened. Additionally, failure to comply with the council's responsibilities might impact the effectiveness of the association and potentially affect the interests of rifle shooting in the district.