Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1971, enacted in 1973, address specific financial and administrative aspects of the Australian Naval Defence Force. These regulations were made by the Governor-General, Paul Hasluck, on the advice of the Executive Council, and came into effect to amend the Naval Financial Regulations. The policy objective, as stated in the regulations, is to streamline financial allowances for naval officers, ensuring consistency and fairness in the application of these allowances. The amendments pertain primarily to allowances for entertaining, transport, and travel, aiming to clarify and adjust the rates at which these allowances are paid, ensuring they reflect the current needs and conditions of service within the Navy. These amendments were designed to be applied retroactively to travel occurring after 2 April 1973, ensuring that officers affected by these changes receive the correct compensation for their expenses.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1973 No. 208, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1971, primarily amend the Naval Financial Regulations concerning allowances for naval officers. These regulations apply to members of the naval force, including officers and ratings of all ranks, who are entitled to allowances for entertaining, transport, and travel within Australia. The amendments are effective for travel on or after 2 April 1973. Notably, the regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions beyond the criteria mentioned within the regulations themselves. The amendments adjust allowances for entertaining, transport, and travel, including the substitution of rates and specific allowances for certain ranks and circumstances, such as attending the Administrative Staff College. The application of these regulations is confined to Australia and specifically applies to members of the naval force.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1971 include amendments to several provisions of the Naval Financial Regulations (regulations 21, 196a, 201 and 203). Regulation 1 modifies the entertaining allowance, changing the eligible rank from 'Commodore Superintendant of Training' to 'Commanding Officer, H.M.A.S. CERBERUS'. Regulation 2 revises the transport allowance, adjusting the rates and introducing a contribution by the member of three cents per mile. Regulation 3 updates the rates for travelling allowance within Australia, specifying different rates based on rank and location. Regulation 4 modifies the reduction of amount where substance or accommodation is provided, introducing a new rate for members attending a course at the Administrative Staff College, Mount Eliza. Regulation 5 specifies the effective date for the amendments to regulations 201 and 203. These regulations impose specific obligations and requirements on the parties governed by them. They establish clear criteria for the entertaining allowance, ensuring that only the Commanding Officer, H.M.A.S. CERBERUS is eligible. The transport allowance now requires members to contribute a portion of their allowance based on mileage. The updated travelling allowance rates must be applied for travel on or after 2 April 1973. Members attending a course at the Administrative Staff College, Mount Eliza, are entitled to a specific allowance for travel and course duration, with certain exclusions. Breach of these regulations can lead to various consequences. While the document does not explicitly state the penalties, breaches of regulations governing financial allowances in the Defence Force context typically result in disciplinary action or financial penalties. The severity of these consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the breach. For instance, failure to correctly apply the new rates for allowances could lead to financial discrepancies, resulting in potential audits, financial corrections, or other administrative actions.