Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1964, No. 130, under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952, was enacted to amend the Naval Financial Regulations, specifically addressing the rates of allowances for travel and residence within Australia for members of the naval force. This legislative instrument was made by the Deputy of the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and was notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 24 October 1964. The amendments primarily seek to revise the daily allowances for travel and residence, excluding certain high-ranking officials such as the First Naval Member of the Naval Board and the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, from specific provisions. This adjustment is intended to streamline and update the financial support structure for naval personnel while maintaining clear distinctions in allowances based on rank and location of residence.

Scope and Application

These Regulations, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952, amend the Naval Financial Regulations to adjust the rates of allowances for naval personnel. Specifically, the Regulations modify the rates of travelling allowance, subsistence, and accommodation for naval officers and ratings based on their rank and location of residence. The amendments apply to naval officers and ratings who are not the First Naval Member of the Naval Board or the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, excluding these high-ranking officials from the new allowance rates. The changes are effective from 26 June 1964 onwards, impacting the financial entitlements of those within the scope of the amended regulations. The Regulations do not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the exclusion of the specified high-ranking officials. The scope of these Regulations is limited to the financial allowances for naval personnel, as per the amendments made to the Naval Financial Regulations.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952, specifically Statutory Rules 1964, No. 130, introduce amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations, primarily adjusting the rates of travel allowances for naval personnel within Australia. Regulation 1 modifies the table in Regulation 201 of the Naval Financial Regulations, detailing new rates for daily travel allowances based on the rank of the naval member and the location of residence, excluding the First Naval Member of the Naval Board and the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (sub-regulation 1(2)). Similarly, Regulation 2 amends Regulation 202 by excluding the same individuals from the allowance for journeys (sub-regulation 2). Regulation 3 replaces the table in Regulation 203, setting new rates for subsistence or accommodation allowances depending on the rank and place of residence, with the exclusion of the First Naval Member of the Naval Board or the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee specified in sub-regulation 3(2). Regulation 4 adjusts Regulation 206 to also exclude these two senior officials from the variation or disallowance of claims (sub-regulation 4). The amendments are applicable from 26 June 1964 onwards (Regulation 5). The Regulations impose specific obligations on naval personnel and the Naval Financial Regulations. Naval members are entitled to different rates of travel, journey, and subsistence allowances depending on their rank and place of residence, with exclusions for the First Naval Member of the Naval Board and the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. These rates are clearly outlined in the amended regulations, and compliance with these provisions is necessary to ensure proper reimbursement and financial management within the naval forces. The amendments also clarify that the exclusions apply to the variation or disallowance of claims, ensuring a consistent application of financial regulations across the board. Failure to comply with these Regulations may result in financial discrepancies or improper claims being submitted. However, the document does not specify any particular offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches of these financial regulations. It is likely that any breaches would be subject to the general administrative and disciplinary measures outlined in other relevant naval or financial regulations, though specific penalties are not detailed in this legislative instrument. It is important for legal practitioners to refer to broader naval and financial regulations to understand the full scope of potential consequences for non-compliance.