Naval Financial Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1928, No. 138, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, introduce amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations with the objective of updating the financial provisions applicable to personnel within the Royal Australian Navy. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations seek to address gaps and ensure the provisions are aligned with the current operational needs and circumstances of naval personnel. The changes include adjustments to the rates of pay for Telegraphist ratings, modifications to allowances for Rear-Admirals, clarifications on the maintenance of dependents, and conditions for the cessation of pay and its impact on good conduct badges. These amendments reflect the need to provide precise and fair financial provisions for naval personnel, ensuring that compensation and allowances are reflective of their roles and responsibilities.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as detailed in Statutory Rules 1928, No. 138, govern specific financial provisions applicable to personnel within the naval sector, particularly focusing on ratings such as Telegraphist Air Gunners. These regulations apply to individuals employed in the Royal Australian Navy, including those who are undergoing training and those who are qualified and actively performing duties. The amendments made through this statutory instrument pertain to financial entitlements, such as daily rates for Telegraphist ratings, additional allowances for Rear-Admirals up to a certain age, and conditions related to dependent maintenance and the cessation of pay. The amendments also affect the awarding and restoration of good conduct badges. These regulations apply nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and come into effect immediately unless specified otherwise. The scope of these regulations is limited to personnel directly employed by the Royal Australian Navy and does not extend to other defence forces or civilian entities.

Key Provisions

These regulations, numbered 3006 and made under the authority of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, introduce several key amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations. To begin with, Regulation 48 has been amended by adding a new sub-regulation (57a) which specifies a rate per day for Telegraphist ratings employed as Telegraphist Air Gunners. The new sub-regulation stipulates that such ratings shall receive 20 shillings per day after qualification while on duty, and 10 shillings per day while under training for each day of ascent (Regulation 48(57a)). Further, Regulation 52 has been amended to include an additional allowance for Rear-Admirals, granting them 9 shillings and 6 pence up until the age of 55 years (Regulation 52). The regulations also affect how financial support for dependents is treated. Regulation 65 has been amended to clarify that the term "dependent" refers to individuals who are both dependent and maintained by the member in question. The insertion of the phrase "and maintained by him" in multiple places within sub-regulations (1), (2)(b), and (2)(c) reinforces this point (Regulation 65(1), (2)(b), (2)(c)). Another significant change is made to Regulation 111, sub-regulation (1), which now omits the phrase "and in receipt of sea-going rates of pay," thereby broadening the scope of its application (Regulation 111(1)). Lastly, Regulation 127 has been amended to include a new sub-regulation (5) which states that periods during which all pay is stopped under this regulation do not count towards the award or restoration of good conduct badges for ratings of the Royal Australian Navy, nor for pay on account of badges awarded to ratings of the Royal Navy serving in the Royal Australian Navy (Regulation 127(5)). These amendments are intended to update and clarify the financial regulations governing the Naval Defence Act. In terms of the obligations imposed by these regulations, personnel must now adhere to the newly specified rates for Telegraphist Air Gunners and Rear-Admirals. Additionally, the clarification regarding the term "dependent" requires that any financial support provided to dependents be explicitly documented and maintained. For ratings, the new stipulation regarding good conduct badges ensures that periods of pay suspension do not impact these awards. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in various civil or administrative consequences, depending on the specific breach and its severity. While the document does not explicitly state penalties, breaches of such regulations could lead to financial discrepancies, administrative penalties, or other consequences as determined by the relevant authorities under the Naval Defence Act.