Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1923, No. 32, under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, were introduced to address specific amendments in the financial regulations of the Australian Naval Forces. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations aimed to provide updated allowances and financial provisions to various categories of naval personnel, including surveying recorders and shorthand instructors, while also redefining the conditions under which naval stores could be lent, exchanged, or sold. The regulations also clarified the terms of deferred pay for petty officers and men, ensuring that the financial management of the naval forces was streamlined and aligned with operational requirements. These amendments reflect the policy objective of maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the naval forces by providing adequate financial support to personnel involved in various specialised roles.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 apply to various personnel within the Australian Naval Defence Force, including ratings and officers, and to the management of naval stores, arms, and equipment. The regulations specifically pertain to allowances for certain naval duties, such as those for surveying recorders, shorthand instructors, and deferred pay for petty officers and men. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, as they pertain to the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations also outline the conditions under which government stores may be lent, exchanged, or sold, with varying levels of approval required from the Minister, the Naval Board, and directors of specific departments. Certain exclusions exist, such as the regulation not applying to the sale of articles of kit and other articles governed by separate regulation. Subordinate instruments may extend or restrict the application of these regulations.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of these regulations amend the Naval Financial Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918. Regulation 36 is amended to include the term “War Staff” in sub-regulation (17), expanding its scope (Regulation 1). Regulation 38 is amended in several ways: it removes the restriction on certain allowances for specific positions (Regulation 2(1)), introduces new allowances for surveying recorders in ships engaged in surveying work (Regulation 2(2)), establishes an allowance for shorthand instructors subject to Naval Board approval (Regulation 2(3)), and modifies the scope of the allowance for certain positions by removing the restriction to one rating per ship or establishment (Regulation 2(5)). Regulation 41 is amended to remove the age restriction on deferred pay for ordinary seamen (Regulation 3). Regulation 115 is repealed and replaced with a new regulation governing the lending, exchanging, selling, or writing off of government stores (Regulation 4). These regulations impose various obligations and requirements on parties and entities governed by them. The amended Regulation 36 requires inclusion of “War Staff” within its scope, potentially affecting entitlements and duties. Regulation 38's changes introduce new allowances for surveying recorders and shorthand instructors, subject to specific qualifications and Naval Board approval. Regulation 41's amendment removes the age restriction for deferred pay for ordinary seamen, broadening eligibility. Regulation 115's replacement introduces a structured framework for the handling of government stores, including conditions for lending, exchanging, selling, or writing off stores, with specific authorities designated for different actions and values. Breaches of these regulations may have various consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the regulations, non-adherence to provisions such as unauthorized lending or selling of government stores could lead to disciplinary actions or legal repercussions under broader legislation. The regulations focus primarily on financial allowances and store management rather than explicitly outlining penalties, implying that consequences for non-compliance would be addressed under the overarching Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 or other relevant legislation.