Naval Financial Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1929 No. 35, enacted by the Governor-General in Council, amends the Naval Financial Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918. This legislative instrument aims to update and refine the financial regulations governing the Royal Australian Navy, addressing issues such as the supply of orchestral instruments, the provision of kit for former ratings, and the handling of absence without leave among other financial and administrative matters. The policy objective is to ensure that the naval financial regulations remain current and effective in supporting the operational and administrative needs of the Navy. The Regulations introduce new provisions for the supply of orchestral instruments and the conditions under which they can be charged, while also modifying the rules regarding kit issuance for former ratings, the forfeiture of pay and allowances for absence without leave, and the replacement of breakages in messes, among other amendments. These changes are intended to streamline and clarify the financial and administrative procedures within the Navy.

Scope and Application

The Regulations Under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, made under the authority of the Governor-General in Council, govern the financial and logistical management of the Royal Australian Navy, including the supply and financial management of orchestral instruments, the issuance of kit to former ratings upon re-engagement, the forfeiture of pay and allowances for members absent without leave, the replacement of breakages in messes, and the approval of various expenditures and purchases by Commanding Officers of His Majesty's Australian Ships. These regulations apply to members of the Royal Australian Navy, including those who have served in the Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Reserve and are re-engaging with the Royal Australian Navy. The regulations extend to the entire Commonwealth of Australia as they are made under the authority of the Commonwealth Government. The regulations include specific provisions that can be altered or extended by subordinate instruments, such as the approval process for various expenditures and purchases by Commanding Officers, which can be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of individual ships.

Key Provisions

The regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 primarily amend and introduce new provisions concerning various aspects of naval operations and personnel management. Section 11a allows for the supply of orchestral instruments to H.M.A. Ships, provided the Naval Board approves the conditions of the supply, and mandates a charge of 7½ per cent. per annum on the value of the supplied instruments and accessories. Regulation 33 has been amended to refine the conditions under which former ratings of the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Fleet Reserve, or Royal Australian Fleet Reserve receive kit or allowances upon re-engaging with the Royal Australian Navy. Specifically, these former ratings are not entitled to free kit unless in special cases approved by the Naval Board. However, they may receive a free issue of a Hammock, Kit Bag, Sun Helmet, and Tropical Clothing if not previously provided gratuitously, and if they re-engage for a period of three years or less, these items are considered loaned and must be maintained from Kit Upkeep Allowance. Regulations 59 and 60 have been repealed and replaced, stipulating that members absent without leave for one month forfeit accrued pay and allowances, past service, furlough, Good Conduct Badges, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, though the Naval Board may restore these in special circumstances. Regulation 84 has also been revised to clarify that excessive breakages of china, earthenware, and glass in messes will not be replaced gratuitously unless approved by the Naval Board. Regulation 154 has been amended by omitting sub-regulation (8), and a new regulation, 157, has been introduced, authorising Commanding Officers of H.M.A. Ships to approve demands for stores, purchases of fresh provisions, local purchases of necessary stores when the ship is absent from a Storing Port, expenditures related to fares, freight, and travelling expenses, minor expenditures for essential services, and expenditures for medical and hospital treatment in accordance with Naval Board Standing Orders. The obligations imposed by these regulations are primarily administrative and financial. Personnel within the Royal Australian Navy, particularly those re-engaging after a discharge, must adhere to the specific conditions governing kit and allowances. Commanding Officers of H.M.A. Ships are required to follow established procedures for approving various types of expenditures and purchases, ensuring that all financial transactions align with the regulations and Naval Board guidelines. The Naval Board itself has the responsibility of approving special cases regarding kit issuance, replacements of breakages, and other exceptions to standard procedures. Furthermore, these regulations mandate that any member absent without leave forfeits accrued benefits, and require that their clothes and effects be inventoried and potentially sold after a specified period. Violations of these regulations can lead to severe consequences. For instance, members absent without leave for a month will forfeit accrued pay, allowances, past service, furlough, badges, and medals, unless the Naval Board decides to restore them. Similarly, unauthorized replacements of breakages in messes can lead to financial repercussions if not approved by the Naval Board. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties for breaches but imply that consequences for non-compliance may include financial forfeiture and administrative actions. Given the context and nature of the regulations, breaches could potentially lead to administrative penalties or disciplinary actions, as governed by other relevant laws and naval discipline codes.