Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1931, No. 52, Regulations Under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, was enacted in 1931 to amend existing financial and logistical regulations governing the Australian Naval Defence Force. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for adjustments in the financial and operational procedures of the Navy, reflecting changes in the size of the fleet and other operational requirements. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the primary policy objective of these regulations is to streamline and modernise the administrative and financial practices within the Navy, ensuring they align with contemporary needs and budget constraints. The regulations specifically target various financial aspects such as clothing charges, rates of pay for acting buglers, and the costs associated with wireless telegraphy stations and ship communications. Additionally, they introduce provisions concerning the transportation of naval personnel and their effects, allowing for flexibility in travel arrangements subject to Naval Board approval. These amendments aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the naval operations by providing clear guidelines and financial controls, while also accommodating changes in the operational environment of the Navy.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as amended by Statutory Rules 1931, No. 52, apply to the financial regulations governing the Royal Australian Navy, particularly focusing on adjustments to clothing charges, rates for various naval positions, and travel allowances for naval personnel. These regulations are applicable to officers and enlisted personnel within the Navy, including those stationed on flagships and other naval vessels, as well as at naval depots and communication stations. The amendments set out specific financial scales for different categories of ships and positions, with particular attention to the costs associated with communication stations and travel allowances for naval members. The regulations also allow the Naval Board discretion in certain circumstances, such as the use of alternative means of travel for naval personnel. These regulations are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and extend the application of the Naval Defence Act by modifying existing statutory rules and introducing new provisions.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of these Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 (C1931L00052) introduce amendments to various provisions of the Naval Financial Regulations. Regulation 38(7) now allows for the waiver of the Clothing Charge, at the discretion of the Naval Board, when there is a reduction in Fleet Numbers (paragraph e). Regulation 48 is amended to include a new sub-regulation (38a) specifying the daily rate for an Acting Bugler at three shillings (Regulation 48). Regulation 50 modifies the rates for wireless telegraphy stations, setting the rate at four pounds for the Flagship H.M.A.S. Penguin at Garden Island and the Navy Office W/T Station, three pounds for cruisers (excluding the Flagship), Flinders Naval Depot, and H.M.A.S. Penguin (for the Port W/T Officer, Sydney, for Multi-Vibrator Establishment), and two pounds for other ships in commission (Regulation 50). Regulation 103 is revised by omitting sub-regulation (7) and re-numbering sub-regulation (8) to read (7) (Regulation 103). A new regulation, 104a, mandates that members travel and their effects be conveyed by railway, with exceptions and approvals granted by the Naval Board for other means of travel and the use of personal vehicles (Regulation 104a). Lastly, Regulation 115(5) is amended to remove the condition that the cost must not exceed other means of conveyance (Regulation 115, sub-regulation 5). These Regulations impose specific obligations on parties governed by them, particularly the Naval Board, which has the authority to waive the Clothing Charge, approve alternative means of travel for members, and approve the use of personal vehicles for travel purposes. The Regulations also require adherence to specified rates for wireless telegraphy stations and establish a standard rate for the Acting Bugler. Members of the naval forces are required to travel by railway unless otherwise approved by the Naval Board. The Regulations do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches. However, non-compliance with the approved travel and conveyance provisions could lead to disciplinary actions or other internal measures as determined by the Naval Board. The specific consequences would be subject to the internal policies and disciplinary procedures of the naval forces.