Naval Account Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1942 No. 184, made under the Audit Act 1901-1934, was enacted by the Governor-General in Council to amend the Naval Account Regulations, specifically introducing a new regulation to allow certain expenditures for the State Squadron of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. This legislative instrument addresses a gap in the existing financial management provisions for the Naval Auxiliary Patrol by providing clear guidelines for the use of allowances for administrative expenses and activities beneficial to the State Squadron. The objective, as stated in the regulation, is to ensure that all relevant expenditures are managed within the framework of the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations, subject to the conditions set by the Naval Board. The regulation was issued on April 14, 1942, and inserted a new rule after regulation 114 of the existing Naval Account Regulations. It explicitly outlines that expenses such as stationery, postage, telephones, advertising, and competitions designed to increase efficiency are to be funded from a specific allowance, ensuring that these expenditures advance the objectives of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. This amendment was made to provide a structured approach to financial management within the Naval Auxiliary Patrol, aligning it with the broader framework of the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1942, No. 184, made under the Audit Act 1901-1934, amends the Naval Account Regulations to include an additional regulation governing the expenditure of allowances for the State Squadron of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. This regulation applies to the specific administrative expenses and other expenditures beneficial to a State Squadron, which are integral to advancing the objectives of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. The scope of this regulation is limited to the financial management of the State Squadron within the Naval Auxiliary Patrol, specifically addressing the allocation and conditions of expenditure on stationery, postage, telephones, advertising, competitions, and other administrative costs. These expenses are to be drawn from the allowance specified in regulation 45 of the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations, subject to any conditions determined by the Naval Board. The geographic reach of this regulation is federal, affecting the administration of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol across the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but mandates that all relevant expenditures adhere to the conditions set forth by the Naval Board. The regulation extends its application through the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations, ensuring consistency in financial management across related entities.

Key Provisions

The primary operative section of this statutory instrument is regulation 114a, which amends the Naval Account Regulations. This regulation introduces a new provision allowing for specific expenditures related to a State Squadron of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol to be drawn from the allowance provided by regulation 45 of the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations. These expenditures include stationery, postage, telephones, advertising, competitions designed to increase efficiency, other administrative expenses, and any expenditure that is beneficial to a State Squadron as a whole and tends to advance the objects of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. The Naval Board has the authority to determine the conditions under which these expenditures can be made. The obligations imposed by regulation 114a on the parties governed by the Act include ensuring that any expenditure made under this new provision adheres to the conditions set by the Naval Board. This means that all administrative and promotional activities for the State Squadron must be funded from the specified allowance and comply with any additional requirements or limitations imposed by the Naval Board. The regulation also necessitates that these expenditures are aligned with the overarching goals of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. Violations of the conditions set forth in regulation 114a can lead to various consequences. While the regulation does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach, non-compliance with the Naval Board's conditions could potentially result in administrative or disciplinary action. Given the context of the regulation, breaches may also lead to financial mismanagement or misuse of funds allocated for the State Squadron, which could attract scrutiny and corrective measures from relevant authorities. The specific penalties for such breaches would depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the governing legislation in place at the time.