EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1983 NO 193
ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
NAVAL FINANCIAL REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
Parts III, X and XV and section 116 of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981 make various changes to the titles and structures of the Reserve Forces in the Air Force, the Army and the Navy. These changes, which stem from recommendations of the 1974 Millar Committee Report on the Citizen Military Forces, come into operation from the date of proclamation (on 30 September 1983). Part XV amends the Naval Defence Act 1910 (“the Act”) to make the necessary changes in relation to Navy Reserve Forces. Under these amendments, the Citizen Naval Forces are renamed as the Australian Naval Reserve.
The Naval Financial Regulations, made under the Act, prescribe various matters for the purposes of the Act, including provisions relating to the Reserve Forces.
This Statutory Rule makes amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations consequential on those made by Part XV of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981. The effect of these amendments is set out below.
Regulation 2 of the Statutory Rule amends regulation 263 to omit a definition of ‘training year’ and to substitute a definition of ‘training period’ to accord with the proposed scheme.
Regulation 3 of the Statutory Rule makes the amendments set out in the Schedule to the Statutory Rule which are title changes corresponding to those made by Part XV of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981.
Commencement
The Statutory Rule comes into operation on 30 September 1983, the date from which Parts III, X and XV and section 116 of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981 are proclaimed to commence.
Overview
The Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rule 1983, issued under the authority of the Minister for Defence, amends the Naval Financial Regulations to align with changes made by the Statute Law Revision Act 1981. This Act, enacted in 1981, primarily addresses the restructuring and renaming of the Reserve Forces within the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy. The amendments are based on recommendations from the 1974 Millar Committee Report on the Citizen Military Forces and are intended to modernise and streamline the administrative titles and structures of these forces. The policy objective of these legislative changes is to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the military reserve system. The amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations ensure that the financial provisions and regulations governing these forces remain consistent with the new titles and structures established by the Statute Law Revision Act. These changes, including the renaming of the Citizen Naval Forces to the Australian Naval Reserve, come into effect from the date of proclamation, 30 September 1983.
Scope and Application
The Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rule 1983 pertains to the regulation and financial management of the Australian Naval Reserve, which has been renamed from the Citizen Naval Forces under the Naval Defence Act 1910. These regulations are integral to implementing the changes outlined in Part XV of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981, which was enacted based on the recommendations of the 1974 Millar Committee Report on the Citizen Military Forces. The regulations apply to all matters concerning the financial aspects of the Reserve Forces within the Navy, ensuring that the amendments to the Act are appropriately reflected in the financial management framework. These changes came into operation on 30 September 1983, the same date as the commencement of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981, ensuring a coordinated implementation across the relevant legislative framework. The amendments include updates to definitions and titles to reflect the new structure and nomenclature of the Reserve Forces.
Key Provisions
The Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rule 1983 (C2004L05500) includes several key sections that bring about specific changes to the regulation of Navy Reserve Forces. Regulation 2 of the Statutory Rule removes the definition of 'training year' from regulation 263 and replaces it with a definition of 'training period'. This change aligns with the broader restructuring of the Reserve Forces as per the recommendations from the Millar Committee Report on the Citizen Military Forces in 1974. The amendments also include title changes in Regulation 3, which correspond to the changes enacted by Part XV of the Statute Law Revision Act 1981. These changes are effective from 30 September 1983, the date of proclamation for the related parts of the Statute Law Revision Act.
The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved, primarily to ensure the smooth transition and implementation of the changes to the Navy Reserve Forces. These include updating internal documentation, systems, and procedures to reflect the new titles and structures of the Reserve Forces. For example, the renaming of the Citizen Naval Forces to the Australian Naval Reserve requires all relevant records, communications, and forms to be updated accordingly. Additionally, the Act requires adherence to the new definitions and provisions as set out in the amended regulations, ensuring consistency and compliance across all relevant activities and operations.
The Statutory Rule also outlines potential consequences for breaches of the regulations. While the text does not explicitly detail the specific offences or penalties, it is understood that non-compliance with the amendments and the new definitions could lead to administrative or legal repercussions. Given the context of military and financial regulations, breaches may result in disciplinary actions against individuals, fines, or other penalties as prescribed by the Naval Defence Act 1910. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the specific breach and the discretion of the authorities involved. However, it is clear that adherence to the amended regulations is critical to avoid any adverse consequences.