EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1982 NO 325
ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
NAVAL COLLEGE REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
In 1981, the policy was adopted that persons would not normally be eligible for entry to the Defence Force unless they hold Australian citizenship. This policy replaced the broader criterion of British nationality.
The Naval College Regulations, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910, provide for various matters, including admission qualifications, relating to the Royal Australian Naval College.
Regulation 6A of the Regulations provides for junior entry to the Royal Australian Naval College. (Although there is now in practice no junior entry, there are cross references to regulation 6A in regulation 6B, which provides for senior entry.)
Paragraph 6A(a) (which is incorporated by paragraph 6B(1)(a)) restricted entry to a person of the male sex who was an Australian citizen or a British subject either ordinarily resident in Australia or approved by the Chief of Naval Staff.
This Statutory Rule omits from paragraph 6A(a) the provisions relating to citizenship and nationality.
Although it is envisaged that most entrants will be Australian citizens, the amendment will enable the entry of foreign students, whether or not they are British subjects.
The Statutory Rule has effect from the date of gazettal.