Naval Financial Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1934, No. 118, issued under the authority of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934, were enacted to address specific administrative and financial adjustments within the naval service. These regulations, issued by the Governor-General in Council, aimed to modify the Naval Financial Regulations, specifically updating salary scales and allowances for certain naval personnel. The policy objective, as evidenced by these amendments, was to ensure that naval officers' compensation remained fair and competitive while maintaining fiscal discipline within the service. These regulations were essential in adjusting the remuneration structure to better reflect the roles and responsibilities of naval officers, particularly in technical and administrative capacities.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1934, No. 118, issued under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934, specifically amends the Naval Financial Regulations by adjusting the salary scale for certain naval ordnance ranks and introducing a new allowance for eligible members. The regulations apply to personnel within the naval service, specifically those holding the ranks of Deputy Inspector and Assistant Inspector of Naval Ordnance, and to any member whose rate of pay does not exceed £250 per annum. These regulations are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, extending the jurisdiction to all naval officers and personnel who fall under the Naval Defence Act. The amendments made by these regulations are effective from 1st July, 1934, with the allowance provision ceasing after the first day of July, 1935. Notably, the regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions, but the allowance is contingent upon the member's rate of active pay and previous eligibility, implying a targeted application to specific qualifying individuals.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934 include the amendment of Regulation 64 sub-regulation (1) and the introduction of a new Regulation 65a. Regulation 64 sub-regulation (1) is amended by removing the title "Assistant Inspector of Naval Ordnance" along with its associated salary range and remarks (1(a)). It is also amended by adding new categories for "Deputy Inspector of Naval Ordnance" and "Assistant Inspector of Naval Ordnance," each with specified minimum and maximum salary ranges and triennial increments (1(b)). Additionally, a new Regulation 65a is introduced, which allows for an allowance of up to £6 per annum for certain members whose pay does not exceed £250 per annum, provided their total annual active pay does not surpass the amount they were eligible for on 30th June, 1934, plus any increments granted by the Naval Board (2(1)). This allowance is considered part of the active pay for all purposes under these Regulations and will cease to be paid after 30th June, 1935 (2(2) and (3)). These Regulations impose several obligations and requirements on the parties they govern. Firstly, they mandate the removal of the title "Assistant Inspector of Naval Ordnance" and its associated salary details from the scale under Regulation 64 (1(a)). Secondly, they require the addition of the new categories "Deputy Inspector of Naval Ordnance" and "Assistant Inspector of Naval Ordnance" to the scale, each with specified salary ranges and triennial increments (1(b)). Furthermore, they establish criteria for the payment of an allowance to eligible members, ensuring that the total annual active pay does not exceed a specified limit (2(1)). These Regulations also require the allowance to be considered part of the member's active pay for all relevant purposes and stipulate that the allowance will cease to be paid after 30th June, 1935 (2(2) and (3)). The Regulations do not explicitly mention any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, any failure to comply with the specified criteria for the allowance under Regulation 65a could potentially lead to administrative or financial repercussions. For instance, if a member's total annual active pay exceeds the allowable limit due to the allowance, it could result in the cessation of the allowance and possibly other administrative actions as deemed necessary by the Naval Board. While specific penalties are not detailed in these Regulations, non-compliance with the financial provisions could have implications for the member's remuneration and standing within the Naval Defence framework.