Naval Account Regulations 1914 (Amendment)

Overview

The Naval Account Regulations, established under Section 63a of the Audit Act 1901-1917, were enacted in 1919 to ensure proper financial management and accountability within the naval accounts of the Commonwealth of Australia. This statutory rule, numbered 145, was issued by the Governor-General in Council, as advised by the Federal Executive Council, and it amended the existing Naval Account Regulations. The primary objective of these regulations is to provide a structured framework for the auditing and management of naval financial records, ensuring transparency and adherence to legislative requirements. This amendment, effective from 12th February 1919, specifically modified Regulation 111 (2) by removing certain wording related to the writing-off of stores, thereby refining the financial protocols within the naval sector.

Scope and Application

The Naval Account Regulations, made under section 63a of the Audit Act 1901-1917, pertain specifically to the accounting practices and record-keeping of naval matters within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations apply to the Commonwealth entities involved in naval operations and to the financial transactions associated with naval activities. The scope of these regulations includes the maintenance and auditing of naval accounts to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of naval resources. They establish the procedural requirements for recording, reporting, and auditing naval expenditures and assets. The regulations do not explicitly outline exclusions, but it is implicit that they apply to all relevant naval accounts and financial activities conducted by the Commonwealth. Additionally, the regulations may be further defined or extended by subordinate instruments, which would provide more detailed guidelines and specifications for compliance and enforcement.

Key Provisions

The Naval Account Regulations under section 63a of the Audit Act 1901-1917, as amended by Statutory Rules 1919, No. 145, introduce specific changes to Regulation 111(2). Specifically, the amendment involves the removal of the words “to the writing-off of the stores” from Regulation 111(2). This amendment is intended to alter the scope or application of the regulation concerning naval accounts, although the precise impact of this change is not elaborated in the text provided. The obligations and requirements imposed by these Regulations, particularly following the amendment, likely involve adjustments to the procedures and documentation needed for managing naval accounts. Given that Regulation 111(2) is affected, the regulation likely pertains to the accounting and financial management processes within the naval sector. The removal of the phrase “to the writing-off of the stores” suggests a shift in the scope of what the regulation covers, possibly affecting how stores or inventory are accounted for within the naval context. Parties governed by these Regulations, such as naval officers, financial controllers, and relevant administrative staff, must ensure their accounting practices comply with the updated Regulation 111(2). In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the provided text does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaching the Regulations. However, under the broader framework of the Audit Act 1901-1917, breaches of such regulations can lead to both civil and criminal liabilities. Civil penalties might include fines or financial restitution, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment or other sanctions, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific nature of the non-compliance and relevant legal interpretations at the time of enforcement.