Naval Forces (Papua New Guinea Division) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1973 No. 273, Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1971, were enacted to amend the Naval Forces (Papua New Guinea Division) Regulations. These regulations were made by the Governor-General of Australia, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, and they aim to update the pay and conditions for apprentices serving in the Naval Forces, particularly those undergoing apprenticeship training in Australia. The amendments were designed to address the inclusion of apprentices in the pay and conditions previously only applicable to ordinary seamen, thus ensuring fair treatment and appropriate remuneration for those in training. The policy objective behind these amendments was to provide clarity and equity in the treatment of apprentices within the Naval Forces, reflecting changes in service requirements and the evolving nature of naval training.

Scope and Application

The regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1971, specifically amending the Naval Forces (Papua New Guinea Division) Regulations, extend their application to apprentices within the Naval Forces who are undergoing apprenticeship training in Australia and who serve on or after 18 June 1973. These regulations aim to modify existing pay structures to include apprentices, thereby ensuring that they receive appropriate compensation for their service. The regulations pertain to personnel within the Naval Forces, particularly those in the Papua New Guinea Division, and are designed to provide clarity and fairness in remuneration for apprentices in the naval service. The geographic scope of these regulations is limited to Australia and specifically target the remuneration for apprentices in the Naval Forces within this jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and the regulations are effective from the specified date of 18 June 1973.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1973 No. 273 involve amendments to Regulation 8 of the Naval Forces (Papua New Guinea Division) Regulations. Specifically, sub-regulation (3f) is amended by adding the term "or apprentice" to the existing list of categories, and sub-regulation (3g) is amended to include "and who is undergoing apprenticeship training in Australia" after the word "apprentice" (Regulations 1(a) and (b)). These changes apply to service by apprentices in the Naval Forces on or after 18 June 1973. The amendments impose obligations on the parties involved, particularly concerning the inclusion of apprentices in the Naval Forces and their eligibility for certain benefits. By inserting "or apprentice" and "and who is undergoing apprenticeship training in Australia" into the existing regulations, the legislation ensures that apprentices are recognised and eligible for the same considerations as ordinary seamen and apprentices in other contexts (Regulation 2). Breaching these regulations could have both civil and criminal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text, general principles under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1971 could apply. Typically, failure to comply with such regulations might result in fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. The maximum penalties would be determined based on the specific nature of the offence and the relevant provisions of the Act. It is crucial for those governed by these regulations to adhere to them to avoid any potential legal repercussions.