EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1985 NO. 212
ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
NAVAL FORCES REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
The Naval Forces Regulations (“the Regulations”), made under the Naval Defence Act 1910, prescribe various matters relating to the organization and administration of the Navy and, in particular, the period of engagement in various parts of the Navy, including the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces.
This Statutory Rule amends the Naval Forces Regulations by reducing the prescribed period of engagement for members of the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces from 4 years to 3 years. The Naval Emergency Reserve Forces are intended to provide a pool of ex-Permanent Force members without a training commitment. Such members do not retain their effectiveness for longer than 3 years, and the shorter engagement period is aligned to this assessment.
The Regulations are also amended by the repeal of certain provisions relating to matters concerning enlistment in the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces. These matters are dealt with administratively by the Army and Air Force, and there is no need to make provision in the Regulations for the Navy.
Regulation 169 of the Regulations prescribes the conditions for eligibility for enlistment in the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces.
Regulation 1 of the Statutory Rule repeals regulation 169; the subject matter of that regulation can be dealt with administratively.
Regulation 2 of the Statutory Rule repeals regulation 170 of the Regulations, which prescribes periods of engagement in the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces, and inserts a new regulation 170 which prescribes a period of engagement in the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces of 3 years.
Sub-regulation 172(1) provides that a sailor who has attained the age of 48 years is not eligible to be re-engaged for further service in the Naval Emergency Reserve Forces.
Regulation 3 of the proposed Statutory Rule omits sub-regulation 172(1); the subject matter of that sub-regulation can be dealt with administratively.
Commencement
The Statutory Rule comes into operation on the date of gazettal.