Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1979 No. 138, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910, were enacted to amend the Naval Financial Regulations by adjusting the rates at which transport allowance is payable to members of the Navy. These regulations were promulgated by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The primary objective of these regulations is to update and refine the financial allowances for transportation costs incurred by Navy personnel, ensuring that the rates reflect current economic conditions and vehicle specifications, thereby maintaining fairness and efficiency in the financial support provided to service members.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910 apply to individuals who are members of the naval forces within the Commonwealth of Australia, as well as to entities and transactions associated with the naval forces, specifically concerning financial regulations. These regulations have a national reach within Australia, as they are made under the authority of the Commonwealth. The scope of these regulations pertains to the financial allowances for transport for naval members, including the rates of allowance per kilometre for various types of motor vehicles and motor cycles. The regulations also outline specific definitions and calculations for determining the displacement of rotary engines in motor vehicles, which directly impacts the allowance rates. There are no explicit exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned within the text of these regulations, and they extend their application through the amendments to the Naval Financial Regulations.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of these Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910 involve the amendment of Regulation 196a of the Naval Financial Regulations (section 2). This amendment pertains to the rates of transport allowance payable to members, specifically those related to motor vehicles and motorcycles (section 2). The new rates are set out in a detailed table, distinguishing between various types of motor vehicles and motorcycles based on their engine capacity and the number of cylinders (section 2). Additionally, there is a definition of a rotary engine included in the regulations (section 2). The Regulations impose clear obligations on the parties they govern. They establish the rates of transport allowance for different categories of motor vehicles and motorcycles, ensuring that members are compensated appropriately based on the type of vehicle they use for travel (section 2). The Regulations also define what constitutes a rotary engine, which is crucial for determining the applicable allowance rates (section 2). Failure to comply with these Regulations could result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Regulations, breaches of regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910 can potentially lead to enforcement actions by relevant authorities. Typically, such breaches could result in fines or other penalties as prescribed by the overarching Act or other applicable legislation. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions specified in related laws.