Naval Financial Regulations 1956 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1957, No. 77, titled "Regulations Under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952," were enacted to amend the Naval Financial Regulations. These regulations address various financial matters related to the Navy, including allowances for Cadet Captains, officers appointed as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General, and adjustments to the rate of travelling allowance within Australia. The problem or gap these regulations sought to address involves the updating and fine-tuning of financial provisions within the Naval Defence Act to ensure they remain relevant and reflective of the needs of the Navy personnel. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations aim to provide clarity and specificity in financial matters, thereby ensuring fair and efficient management of naval financial resources.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1957, No. 77, constitute regulations made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952, governing financial matters within the Australian Defence Force, specifically the Navy. These regulations apply to naval personnel, including Cadet Captains, officers, and members of the Navy, and pertain to allowances and financial entitlements. The amendments outlined in these regulations are geographically applicable within Australia, as they pertain to allowances and allowances for travel within the country and for those who serve overseas. Notably, the regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but they do provide for specific allowances under certain circumstances, such as for officers appointed as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General. The application of these regulations is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional details or specific conditions under which these financial provisions are applicable.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952 (Sections 1-6) focus on amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations, altering allowances and rates for various naval personnel. Specifically, Section 1 modifies the allowance for Cadet Captains, increasing it from one shilling per week to one shilling and sixpence per week (Section 1(1)). Section 2 introduces an outfit allowance for officers appointed as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General, to be determined by the Naval Board (Section 2(4)). Section 3 revises the rate of travelling allowance within Australia, increasing it from four pounds four shillings to five pounds five shillings (Section 3(1)). Section 4 modifies the regulation regarding return passages, specifying they will only be provided at the Department's expense if forward passages have already been provided (Section 4). Section 5 adds a provision for members marrying while on overseas service, considering them as having had their family transported if their service is intended to last at least two years (Section 5(3)). Finally, Section 6 amends the Second Schedule to include the new sub-regulation (Section 6). These Regulations impose specific financial obligations on the Department, requiring them to adjust allowances for Cadet Captains, provide outfit allowances for Aide-de-Camp officers, and increase the rate of travel allowances for personnel within Australia. Additionally, they establish criteria for providing return passages and managing the allowances for members marrying while on overseas service. The Regulations ensure that all financial provisions are clearly defined and communicated to affected personnel. There are no explicit provisions in the Regulations regarding offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, any non-compliance with these financial regulations could potentially lead to administrative issues or disputes over allowances, which would be addressed under the broader administrative and disciplinary frameworks of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952. The lack of specified penalties in the Regulations themselves suggests that any breach would be subject to the general disciplinary measures outlined in the principal Act or related naval regulations.