Naval Forces Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1951, specifically Regulation No. 1951, under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1949, was enacted to amend the eligibility criteria for appointment as a Cadet Midshipman through special entry within the Australian Defence Force. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective of these amendments was to refine the criteria for prospective Cadet Midshipmen, ensuring they meet specific educational qualifications and age requirements, thus enhancing the overall standards and preparedness of naval cadets.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1949 amends the eligibility criteria for appointment as a Cadet Midshipman (Special Entry) within the Australian Naval Forces. Specifically, it modifies Regulation 49a of the Naval Forces Regulations to establish new requirements regarding age and educational qualifications. The regulation specifies that an individual must be at least seventeen years and one day old, but no older than eighteen years and six months old, on the first day of the month of their intended entry. Additionally, the individual must have passed in Mathematics, Physics, and English at a Matriculation examination conducted by an Australian university or an equivalent examination deemed acceptable by the Naval Board. Furthermore, they must have obtained satisfactory passes in two other subjects as determined by the Naval Board. This regulation applies to any person seeking appointment as a Cadet Midshipman (Special Entry) in the Australian Naval Forces, thus directly affecting individuals who meet the specified criteria for entry into the naval service. The regulation's geographic scope is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, and it does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions. The regulation may be further refined or detailed through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1949.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation (Regulation 49a) pertain to the eligibility criteria for an individual to be appointed as a Cadet Midshipman through a Special Entry (Reg. 49a). According to these provisions, a person must be between seventeen years and one day and eighteen years and six months old on the first day of the month they are set to join (section 49a(a)). Additionally, the individual must have passed in Mathematics, Physics, and English at a Matriculation examination conducted by an Australian University or an examination deemed equivalent by the Naval Board. They must also have obtained satisfactory passes in two other subjects as determined by the Naval Board (section 49a(b)). This Act imposes specific requirements on individuals aspiring to be Cadet Midshipmen. Primarily, it mandates that candidates meet the stipulated age criteria and educational qualifications. The educational requirements include passing in Mathematics, Physics, and English in an approved examination and achieving satisfactory results in two additional subjects. These requirements ensure that those who aspire to join the naval forces meet a baseline standard of education and maturity. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria set forth in this legislation can result in consequences for the individual. Specifically, if a person does not meet the age or educational requirements, they would not be eligible for appointment as a Cadet Midshipman through the Special Entry. This ineligibility would effectively bar them from joining the naval forces under the terms specified by this regulation. There are no explicit mentions of civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance within the text of the regulation itself, but non-compliance would naturally result in the individual being ineligible for the position.