Naval Brigade (Naval Guard Section) Regulations 1918 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920 No. 51, enacted under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, introduces a regulation to provide financial assistance to ratings who are being discharged from the Naval Guard Section. The regulation aims to address the financial hardship that these individuals may face upon transitioning from naval to civilian life. Issued by the Governor-General in Council, the regulation is designed to ensure that ratings receive a monetary allowance of 30 shillings towards the cost of a civilian suit upon their discharge, thereby supporting their reintegration into civilian society. The policy objective is to provide a tangible benefit to those who have served in the Naval Guard Section, acknowledging their contribution and facilitating a smoother transition to civilian employment.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, specifically the amendment of the Naval Brigade (Naval Guard Section) Regulations, apply to members of the Naval Defence Force, specifically those who have served in the Naval Guard Section and are being discharged from service. These Regulations establish that upon discharge, ratings who have been dressed as Seamen are to be granted an allowance of 30 shillings in cash to assist with the cost of acquiring a civilian suit. This provision is aimed at facilitating the transition of naval personnel from military to civilian life by providing financial support for their immediate needs. The application of these Regulations is geographically confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as they are issued under the authority of the Commonwealth Government. While the Regulations primarily pertain to the financial allowance for discharged ratings, they do not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the eligibility criteria of being a discharged member of the Naval Guard Section. Additionally, the scope of these Regulations may be further extended or refined through subsequent subordinate instruments, which could provide further detail or clarification on the implementation of the allowance.

Key Provisions

The primary operative section of these regulations, introduced under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, pertains to the financial allowance for ratings dressed as Seamen upon their discharge from the Naval Guard Section. Specifically, regulation 23a (1) states that these ratings shall be granted an allowance in cash of 30 shillings towards the cost of a civilian suit. This provision ensures that personnel transitioning from naval service to civilian life receive some financial assistance to facilitate their reintegration into society. These regulations impose specific obligations on the authorities managing the Naval Guard Section. They must ensure that the allowance is properly calculated and disbursed to eligible ratings at the time of their discharge. The allowance must be provided in the form of cash, as stipulated, and the amount fixed at 30 shillings. This requirement underscores the importance of financial support for personnel transitioning from military to civilian life. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to legal consequences. While the regulations themselves do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches of obligations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 may be subject to broader legal repercussions, including civil or criminal penalties. The specific penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant provisions within the overarching Act or other applicable laws. It is essential for the authorities to adhere to these regulations to avoid any potential legal issues arising from non-compliance.