Naval Account Regulations 1914 (Amendment)

Overview

The Naval Account Regulations 1919, made under section 63a of the Audit Act 1901-1912, were enacted by the Governor-General in Council to provide for the administration and management of naval accounts, specifically addressing the approval process for the sale or writing off of naval stores. This legislative instrument sought to streamline the process for dealing with condemned, unfit, damaged, or deficient stores, providing a clear framework for the Naval Board to handle minor cases while requiring the Treasurer’s approval for higher value items. The objective was to ensure efficient and authorised financial management within the naval sector. The regulations were issued by the Commonwealth Government, reflecting a structured approach to fiscal responsibility and control within the naval accounts.

Scope and Application

The Naval Account Regulations, made under Section 63a of the Audit Act 1901-1912, pertain specifically to the Naval Board’s authority over the sale or writing off of naval stores that are deemed condemned, unfit, damaged, or deficient. These regulations apply to entities and personnel within the scope of the Naval Board’s jurisdiction, particularly those responsible for the management and disposition of naval stores. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, as they are established under Commonwealth legislation. The regulations specify a threshold of £100, below which the Naval Board can approve the sale or writing off of such stores, and above which the approval of the Treasurer is required, based on the recommendation of the Naval Board. The regulations also allow for the approval of taking on charge of excess stores by the Naval Board. Any extensions or restrictions to the application of these regulations are to be determined through subordinate instruments as may be issued under the authority of the Audit Act.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this legislative instrument, Regulation 111, concerns the approval of certain actions regarding naval stores. Specifically, it stipulates that the Naval Board can approve the sale or write-off of condemned, unfit, damaged, or deficient stores provided the value of such stores does not exceed £100 (Regulation 111(1)). For stores valued over £100, the approval of the Treasurer, following a recommendation from the Naval Board, is required (Regulation 111(2)). Additionally, the Naval Board can approve the taking on charge of excess stores (Regulation 111(3)). These provisions delineate the scope of authority of the Naval Board and the Treasurer in managing naval assets. Under these regulations, the Naval Board bears the responsibility for overseeing and approving the disposal or write-off of specific naval stores, as well as the acceptance of excess stores. For stores valued at £100 or less, the Naval Board's approval is sufficient. However, for stores exceeding this value, the Naval Board must seek and obtain the Treasurer’s approval, acting on their recommendation. This dual-layer approval process ensures accountability and oversight in significant financial decisions related to naval stores. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in serious consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed within the text of this legislative instrument, breaches of similar regulations typically involve legal ramifications. These could include fines, penalties, or other civil or criminal actions as stipulated in the primary legislation governing the Audit Act 1901-1912 and related statutes. The maximum penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the provisions of the overarching legislation. The intent is to ensure adherence to the regulatory framework governing naval financial management.