STATUTORY RULES.
1913. No. 2.
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PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1912.
Amendment to Commonwealth Military Regulation 516(a).
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 eighth day of January, One thousand nine hundred and thirteen.
DENMAN,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE.
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REGULATIONS (PROVISIONAL) FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Part II.—Rifle Clubs.
Amendment.
In Regulation 516(a) for “Members of the Police Force may become active members without undertaking to serve in the Reserve Forces,” read “Persons exempt from service in time of war under Section 61 (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), of the Defence Act 1903–1912, may become active members without undertaking to serve in the Reserve Forces.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Acting Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.87.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, enacted in 1913, address the need for immediate amendments to the Commonwealth Military Regulations concerning Rifle Clubs. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the urgency of the matter. The objective was to adjust the eligibility criteria for active membership in Rifle Clubs, ensuring that certain individuals exempt from service in time of war could join without the obligation to serve in the Reserve Forces. This change was made in light of the specific exemptions outlined in Section 61 (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of the Defence Act 1903-1912, thereby providing a more inclusive framework for Rifle Club membership.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, specifically amending Commonwealth Military Regulation 516(a), apply to individuals who are exempt from service in time of war as defined in Section 61 (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of the Defence Act. These individuals, who might otherwise be ineligible to serve in the Reserve Forces, are now permitted to become active members of Rifle Clubs. The amendment allows a broader range of individuals to engage in activities that support the preparedness and training of military forces, provided they do not have to undertake service in the Reserve Forces. This regulation is effective across the Commonwealth of Australia and is designed to enhance the participation and support of various sectors within the civilian community for military preparedness, while acknowledging the specific circumstances of those who are exempt from war service.
The scope of these Provisional Regulations is limited to altering the eligibility criteria for active membership in Rifle Clubs, without extending to other areas of military engagement or civilian conduct. The changes apply nationally, encompassing all states and territories within the Commonwealth. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions noted beyond those outlined in the Defence Act 1903-1912, which this regulation references. Additionally, the application of these regulations is immediate, as certified by the Governor General, and is intended to address a matter of urgency in the context of national defence preparedness.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation amend Regulation 516(a) under the Defence Act 1903-1912. Specifically, the amendment allows persons exempt from service in time of war under certain sections of the Defence Act (sections 61(b), (c), (d), (e), and (f)) to become active members of rifle clubs without the requirement of serving in the Reserve Forces. This change is intended to clarify and expand the eligibility criteria for active membership in rifle clubs, accommodating those who are exempt from war service for specific reasons.
The Act imposes specific obligations on individuals who wish to become active members of rifle clubs under this new regulation. These individuals must be exempt from service in time of war under the specified sections of the Defence Act, and they must not be required to serve in the Reserve Forces. The amendment aims to streamline the membership process for those who are legally exempt from military service, ensuring that they can still participate in activities related to the military through rifle clubs.
Breaching the provisions of this Provisional Regulation could potentially lead to legal consequences, although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text of the legislation itself. Typically, violations of such regulations could result in fines or other civil penalties as determined by the relevant authorities. Additionally, non-compliance could also have implications for the standing and recognition of the individual’s membership in the rifle club, possibly leading to expulsion or revocation of membership rights. The precise legal ramifications would depend on the interpretation and enforcement of the regulation by the appropriate authorities.