Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1961, Number 90, are regulations enacted under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952. These regulations were introduced to amend the Naval Financial Regulations, specifically addressing allowances and benefits for naval personnel. The enacting body is the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. These regulations came into operation on the first day of April, 1961, and their purpose is to adjust the financial provisions related to allowances for naval members, including the introduction of a supplementary travelling allowance for non-married members undertaking detached duty within Australia. The regulations reflect the policy objective of ensuring that naval personnel receive appropriate financial support in line with their service requirements.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1961 No. 90, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952, pertain to amendments of the Naval Financial Regulations. These regulations apply to members of the naval forces in Australia, including both commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, who are entitled to allowances and other financial benefits as specified within the regulations. The amendments primarily focus on modifying eligibility criteria for certain allowances, such as the travelling allowance, supplementary travelling allowance, and meal allowance, as well as revising the district allowance based on the isolated nature of the duty station. The changes are effective from 1 April 1961 and extend to all members of the naval forces who are subject to the Naval Financial Regulations, irrespective of their specific rank or role within the service. These regulations are applicable nationally across Australia, encompassing all Commonwealth naval installations and operations. Any further extensions or restrictions to the application of these regulations are to be determined through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules, 1961, No. 90, amend the Naval Financial Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1952. These regulations are designed to adjust allowances provided to members of the naval service. Section 2 of these regulations modifies Regulation 95 of the Naval Financial Regulations by altering the types of allowances eligible for members. Specifically, the regulation now includes supplementary travelling allowance in addition to travelling allowance and meal allowance (section 2). In addition to these changes, Section 3 updates Regulation 107 to provide new rates for district allowance, distinguishing between members living out, members living in, married members, and other members, depending on the grade of the isolated district (section 3). A new regulation, Section 4, introduces a supplementary travelling allowance at a rate of nine shillings and sixpence per day for members visiting places within Australia for detached duty, provided the visit requires an overnight absence from their normal place of duty (section 4). These changes are intended to better reflect the current conditions and needs of naval service members. The regulations impose obligations on the Naval Board to approve conditions for the supplementary travelling allowance and to ensure that the updated allowances are correctly calculated and disbursed to eligible members. Members must also comply with the new allowances and any conditions set by the Naval Board. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in administrative penalties or the withholding of allowances. However, the specific civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the text provided.