STATUTORY RULES.
1934. No. 21.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1908-1932.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1932, to come into operation forthwith, except where otherwise stated.
Dated this fourteenth day of February, 1934.
ISAAC A. ISAACS
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
JOS. FRANCIS
for Minister of State for Defence.
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Munitions Supply Regulations.
(Statutory Rules 1926, No. 210, as amended to date)
Amendments.
The Munitions Supply Regulations are amended as follow:—
1. Regulation 33 is amended by omitting therefrom sub-regulation (1) and inserting in its stead the following:—
“(1) Subject to these Regulations, the following shall be the scale of travelling allowance for all employees:—
Allowance Capital Cities. | Allowance other than Capital Cities. | Hourly Rate. |
First Fourteen Days’ Residence. | After Fourteen Days’ Residence. | First Fourteen Days’ Residence. | After Fourteen Days’ Residence. |
Married Employee. | Unmarried Employee. | Married Employee. | Unmarried Employee. |
Per Day. | Per Week. | Per Week. | Per Day. | Per Week. | Per Week. | |
s. | d. | s. | d. | s. | d. | s. | d. | s. | d. | s. | d. | |
12 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 35 | 0 | 25 | 0 | l/24th of daily rate or l/168th of weekly rate |
To have effect as from 12th October, 1933.
329—Price 3d.
2. After regulation 64 the following Regulations are inserted:—
“Allowance to be in Addition to Cost of Conveyances
64a. All travelling allowances shall be in addition to cost of conveyance. The period for which travelling allowance may be claimed shall be computed from time of departure of to time of arrival on return of the train, steamer, or other conveyance by which employees travel:
Provided that in the case of an employee travelling on permanent transfer to whom the provisions of regulation 68 are applicable the period shall, be computed to time of arrival at the place to which he has been transferred.
Definition of Married Officer.
64b. For the purpose of payment of travelling allowance, a married employee shall be deemed to include any unmarried employee or a widower who is maintaining a home or supporting dependent relatives in circumstances which, in the opinion of the Board, justify his inclusion.
Increased or Decreased Travelling Allowance.
64c. Upon proof to the satisfaction of the Board that the travelling allowance payable to an employee under these Regulations is either insufficient to cover, or in excess of expenses reasonably incurred, the Board may vary the allowance.”
To have effect as from 12th October, 1933.
3. Regulation 68 is amended by omitting therefrom sub-regulation (3) and inserting, in its stead the following:—
“(3) Before removal is undertaken, the Manager shall, wherever practicable, obtain quotations from at least two carriers and, subject to this regulation, may authorize acceptance of the more suitable.”
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By Authority: L. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.
Overview
The Munitions Supply Regulations were enacted in 1934 under the Defence Act 1903-1932. The Governor-General, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, issued these regulations to ensure proper oversight and management of munitions supplies, aiming to maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the provision of such supplies. These regulations were designed to address administrative gaps in the supply chain and ensure that travelling allowances for employees were calculated accurately and fairly. The regulations included detailed allowances for various categories of employees, both married and unmarried, and set out conditions for the calculation of these allowances, ensuring they were both adequate and equitable. This legislative instrument was critical in supporting the logistical operations of the defence sector during a period of significant national concern.
Scope and Application
The Munitions Supply Regulations, made under the Defence Act 1903-1932, apply to all employees involved in munitions supply within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations govern the scale of travelling allowances for such employees, which vary based on their marital status and the location of their travel. The allowances are designed to cover the expenses of employees who travel for work purposes, with different rates applicable to capital cities and other areas, as well as provisions for married and unmarried employees. Notably, these allowances are to be in addition to the cost of conveyances used by the employees, with specific rules governing the computation of travel time for allowance claims. The regulations also include provisions for adjusting the allowance if it is found to be insufficient or excessive relative to actual expenses. The regulations are applicable nationwide, covering all employees engaged in munitions supply within Australia, and they have been updated to reflect changes in the scale of allowances and the computation of travel time.
Key Provisions
The Munitions Supply Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1926, No. 210, establish specific guidelines for travelling allowances for employees. Regulation 33(1) sets out the travelling allowance scale, differentiating between capital cities and other areas, and distinguishing between married and unmarried employees, with different rates for daily and weekly allowances. The changes took effect from 12 October 1933. Regulation 64a stipulates that all travelling allowances are supplementary to the cost of conveyance, with the allowance period calculated from the departure to the arrival of the employee’s chosen mode of transport, except for those on permanent transfer, for whom the period extends to their arrival at the new location. Regulation 64b provides that for the purposes of calculating travelling allowances, any unmarried employee or widower maintaining a home or supporting dependents may be considered married, if deemed appropriate by the Board. Regulation 64c allows the Board to adjust an employee’s travelling allowance if it is proven to be either insufficient or excessive compared to actual expenses incurred. These amendments also came into force on 12 October 1933. Regulation 68(3) requires that before any removal is undertaken, the Manager must, wherever feasible, obtain quotes from at least two carriers, and may approve the more suitable one in accordance with this regulation.
These regulations impose certain obligations on the entities and individuals they govern. Firstly, employees are entitled to specific travelling allowances as outlined in the regulations, which must be calculated and paid in accordance with the stipulated rates. Employers must ensure that these allowances are correctly computed and disbursed, taking into account the employee's marital status and the location of travel. Secondly, the Board has the authority to adjust allowances if there is evidence that the current rates do not accurately reflect the employees' actual expenses. This requires the Board to review and verify any claims for adjustment to ensure compliance with the regulations. Furthermore, managers are mandated to seek quotations from at least two carriers before approving a removal, thereby ensuring competitive pricing and suitability of the chosen carrier.
Breach of these regulations may result in civil or administrative consequences. For example, if an employer fails to accurately calculate and pay the prescribed travelling allowances, they may be subject to legal action from employees for non-payment or underpayment of allowances. Additionally, if the Board does not properly review and adjust allowances based on valid claims, it could lead to disputes and potential legal challenges from employees. Similarly, if managers do not comply with the requirement to obtain multiple quotations before approving a removal, it could result in the selection of an unsuitable carrier, potentially leading to financial losses or inefficiencies for the organisation. Each of these breaches may have specific civil or administrative repercussions, depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance.