Naval College Regulations 1916 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 155, under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, were enacted to address the need for uniform regulation for nursing sisters attached to the Naval College. This legislative instrument was introduced to ensure uniformity and discipline among the nursing staff, maintaining a professional standard in line with the overall objectives of the Naval Defence Act. The regulations were made by Sir William Hill Irvine, the Deputy of the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and they came into effect on 1 July 1919. The policy objective behind these regulations was to standardise the uniform for nursing sisters, ensuring they adhered to the approved articles supplied by the Naval Board, which were to be worn both within the college premises and on other specified occasions. This was to ensure that the nursing staff maintained a consistent and professional appearance, reflecting the standards expected within the naval environment.

Scope and Application

The Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 applies to the administration and regulation of the Royal Australian Naval College, with a particular focus on the conduct and uniform of Nursing Sisters attached to the College. The Act is applicable to persons who are employed as Nursing Sisters at the College and mandates that they wear uniforms approved by the Naval Board when on duty within the College precincts or on other occasions as directed. The uniform and related articles are to be supplied by the Government at its expense, but only after the appointee has successfully completed a three-month probationary period and received a recommendation and confirmation. These articles remain the property of the Government and must be returned upon resignation or removal from their position. The legislation has a national reach as it is a Commonwealth Act, governing conduct across the entire nation. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within this specific regulation, but it is noted that the application of the Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The regulation (28a) inserted under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 pertains to the uniform requirements for Nursing Sisters attached to the College. It stipulates that these Nursing Sisters must wear uniforms consisting of articles approved by the Naval Board. This uniform is to be worn when on duty within the College premises and on other occasions as directed. The uniforms will be supplied at the government's expense, but only after the appointee completes a three-month probationary period and receives a recommendation and confirmation for their position. Once supplied, the uniforms become the property of the Government and must be returned upon resignation or removal from their post. The obligations imposed by this regulation on Nursing Sisters include adhering to the uniform requirements as specified by the Naval Board. They must wear the prescribed uniform while on duty within the College and during other designated times. The Nursing Sisters are also obligated to return the uniforms to the government upon their resignation or removal from service, ensuring that the government retains possession of its property. In the event of non-compliance with the regulation's requirements, specific offences or penalties are not explicitly stated within the provided text. However, failure to adhere to the uniform policy and return the uniforms as stipulated could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or other consequences as determined by the College or the Naval Board. The exact nature of these consequences would typically be outlined in additional regulations or policies not provided in the excerpt.