Naval Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Naval Financial Regulations 2 (Amendment) Interim Determination 1981 was enacted to address a gap in the financial management procedures within the Australian Defence Force. This legislative instrument was made by the Minister of State for Administrative Services, acting on behalf of the Minister of State for Defence, under section 12 of the Defence Amendment Act 1979. The primary objective of this interim determination was to repeal Regulation 23 of the Naval Financial Regulations, which dealt with table money, and to align the regulations with the forthcoming Determination 0211 under section 58b of the Defence Act 1903. The interim determination was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 20 November 1981, ensuring that stakeholders were informed of the changes and their effective date.

Scope and Application

The Naval Financial Regulations 1981 (Amendment) applies to the regulation of financial matters within the Australian Defence Force, particularly affecting personnel remuneration and allowances. This interim determination focuses on the amendment of Table Money, which pertains to the financial allowances and benefits provided to naval personnel. The application of these regulations is confined to the Commonwealth jurisdiction, thereby impacting all members of the Australian Defence Force and any associated entities or contractors operating under the Defence Act 1903. The regulations extend their reach to ensure compliance and uniformity across the entire Defence Force, thereby maintaining consistent standards and practices in financial management within the military. This interim determination specifically addresses the repeal of Regulation 23, which previously governed Table Money, and it will take effect upon the making of Determination 0211 under section 58b of the Defence Act 1903. While the primary focus is on the financial aspects, the overarching goal is to streamline and modernise the financial regulations governing the Defence Force.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Naval Financial Regulations 2 (Amendment) Interim Determination (Statutory Rules 1981 No. 3321) focus on repealing and updating financial regulations within the Defence Force. Specifically, Regulation 23 of the Naval Financial Regulations, which dealt with table money, is repealed (section 1). The interim determination will take effect on the date Determination 0211, which addresses Table Money, is made under section 58b of the Defence Act 1903 (section 2). This legislative instrument serves to streamline and modernise financial regulations by removing outdated provisions and ensuring alignment with current legislative standards. The obligations and requirements imposed by this interim determination primarily concern the administrative aspects of financial management within the Defence Force. By repealing Regulation 23, the interim determination requires the Defence Force to adhere to updated financial regulations that are more aligned with contemporary practices. This change mandates that financial practices, particularly those related to table money, must now comply with the provisions of Determination 0211, which is expected to provide clearer guidelines and updated standards for managing such financial matters. The Defence Force must ensure that all financial operations are conducted in accordance with these updated regulations to maintain compliance and efficiency. Breaches of the requirements set out in this interim determination may lead to various consequences, though specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text provided. Generally, non-compliance with Defence financial regulations can result in disciplinary action, administrative penalties, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity and impact of the breach. The Defence Force is expected to enforce these regulations rigorously to maintain discipline and integrity within its financial operations. Maximum penalties, if applicable, would be determined in accordance with the specific regulations and Defence Act provisions governing the particular breach.