Naval Reserve Regulations 1931 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1944 No. 144 is a legislative instrument made under the authority of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934. Enacted by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Winston Dugan, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, this regulation was designed to address a specific issue concerning the advancement of ratings in the Naval Reserve during wartime. The regulation amends the existing Naval Reserve Regulations to introduce a proviso that ratings mobilized as petty officers in certain branches must pass an approved examination by the Naval Board before they can be considered for advancement to chief petty officer. This amendment aimed to ensure that personnel advancements were based on merit and competence, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness and professionalism of the naval reserve forces during the war period.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1944 No. 144, made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934, pertains specifically to the amendment of the Naval Reserve Regulations concerning the advancement of ratings in wartime. This regulation applies to personnel mobilised as petty officers within the Seaman, Steward, Cook, Supply, or Writer branches of the naval reserve. The regulation ensures that such personnel must pass an approved examination by the Naval Board before being eligible for advancement to chief petty officer. The regulation has a clear jurisdictional reach as it applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and is applicable to all individuals within the specified branches of the naval reserve. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined in this particular regulation, but it does stipulate a necessary condition for advancement. The regulation is an amendment to existing Naval Reserve Regulations and does not extend its application beyond the stated amendment through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The regulation, numbered Statutory Rules 1944, No. 144, amends the Naval Reserve Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934. Specifically, Regulation 32a (paragraph 3) is amended to include a proviso stipulating that any rating mobilized as a petty officer in the Seaman, Steward, Cook, Supply, or Writer Branch will not be eligible for advancement to chief petty officer unless they pass an examination approved by the Naval Board (paragraph 4). This change introduces a new requirement for the advancement process within the specified branches during wartime. This amendment imposes an obligation on the relevant ratings within the Seaman, Steward, Cook, Supply, or Writer Branches to pass the examination approved by the Naval Board before they can be considered for advancement to chief petty officer. This requirement applies specifically to those mobilized as petty officers in these branches during wartime, ensuring that only those who have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills through passing the specified examination can advance in rank. Breach of this regulation may lead to administrative consequences within the Naval Reserve, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text. However, given the context and the importance of maintaining structured advancement within the Naval Reserve, failure to comply with the new examination requirement could result in disciplinary actions or the withholding of rank advancement. The exact penalties would be determined based on the Naval Defence Act 1910-1934 and the Naval Reserve Regulations, which may include administrative sanctions or other forms of disciplinary measures.