Naval Financial Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1928 No. 18, titled "Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918," was enacted by the Governor-General, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council, to amend the Naval Financial Regulations. This legislative instrument aimed to address administrative and financial discrepancies within the naval defence sector, ensuring that the regulations were up-to-date with the evolving needs of the Naval Defence Act. The primary objective was to streamline definitions, adjust allowances, and correct minor typographical errors to ensure the smooth functioning of the naval defence administration. This was achieved by amending definitions of key terms such as "Minister" and "Naval Board," adjusting the Kit Upkeep Allowance rates, updating financial amounts, and correcting sub-regulations to rectify any errors or omissions.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 apply to the personnel of the Royal Australian Navy and other entities involved in the administration and financial management of the Naval Defence Act. These regulations primarily govern the financial aspects of naval service, including allowances and rates for various ranks and roles within the Navy. The amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations outlined in these statutory rules adjust the allowances for kit upkeep and rates of pay for specific roles, effective from January 1, 1928. The scope of these regulations is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as they are enacted under the authority of the Australian federal government. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but it is implied that they apply to all personnel and entities within the purview of the Naval Defence Act. The regulations extend their application through amendments to subordinate instruments, ensuring that the financial provisions remain current and aligned with the operational needs of the Royal Australian Navy.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1928, No. 18, introduce several amendments to existing Naval Financial Regulations (1). The main changes include the amendment of definitions and the adjustment of allowances and rates of pay. For example, Regulation 4 now defines "Minister" and "Naval Board" more specifically (1). Regulation 34 revises the Kit Upkeep Allowance for ratings, setting new rates that come into effect from 1 January 1928 (2). The rates for Class I, Class II, Class III, and all Band Ratings are now 10½d, 8½d, 10d, and 10d per diem respectively. Furthermore, Regulation 35 modifies the monetary amounts for certain categories, replacing £17, £16, and £15 with £17 10s, £15 15s, and £14 15s respectively (3). Additionally, new sub-regulations are introduced for rates of pay for Captain of Gun, 1st and 2nd Class, Director Layer, 1st and 2nd Class, and Turret Trainer, Turret Director Trainer (4). These Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties they govern, primarily focused on the financial allowances and rates of pay for naval personnel. The new definitions in Regulation 4 provide clarity on who is responsible for the administration of naval defence matters. Regulation 34 mandates that the new Kit Upkeep Allowance rates be applied to ratings from the specified date, ensuring that all eligible personnel receive the correct daily allowance. Similarly, Regulation 35 requires the updated monetary amounts to be reflected in the financial records for the respective categories of personnel. Regulation 48 introduces new sub-regulations that must be adhered to for the payment of certain positions within the naval hierarchy, ensuring consistency and fairness in remuneration. Breach of these Regulations may not explicitly state specific offences or penalties within the provided text. However, failure to comply with the specified allowances and rates of pay could potentially lead to administrative or financial discrepancies within the naval service. While the text does not detail specific penalties, non-compliance could result in corrective actions by the Naval Board of Administration to rectify any incorrect payments or allowances. Such actions might include adjustments to financial records, audits, or other administrative measures to ensure compliance with the Regulations.