Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, enacted in 1929, aim to amend the existing Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations to better align the pay and allowances for members of the Naval Reserve during various training and service scenarios. The Regulations were introduced to address discrepancies in the existing provisions regarding payment and victualling of Naval Reserve members, ensuring a more consistent and fair approach to compensation and benefits. Made under the authority of the Governor-General in Council, the policy objective of these Regulations is to provide clarity and consistency in the remuneration and provisions for Naval Reserve members, aligning them more closely with the standards set for the Permanent Naval Forces. The Regulations were established to address the need for updating and clarifying the conditions under which Naval Reserve members receive pay and allowances, particularly during training periods, continuous service, and special circumstances such as wartime or emergency service. The amendments and insertions to the existing Regulations aim to rectify inconsistencies and ensure that Naval Reserve members are compensated in a manner that reflects their duties and the conditions of their service.

Scope and Application

The Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as amended by the Statutory Rules of 1929, applies to the members of the Naval Volunteer Reserve, including those involved in continuous training, voluntary service, and those under Proclamation in times of war or emergency. The Regulations primarily concern the payment and allowances for members of the Naval Volunteer Reserve, including adjustments to pay and provisions during various training and service periods. Geographically, the Act and these Regulations apply to the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting entities and individuals associated with the Naval Volunteer Reserve across the nation. The stated exclusions pertain to members who are not on continuous training or service and those not under Proclamation in times of war or emergency. Furthermore, the Regulations extend their application through subordinate instruments by detailing specific circumstances under which allowances and payments are applicable or not, such as during long leave periods or special circumstances where an allowance in lieu of rations may be considered.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as amended, introduce several changes to the existing Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations. Regulation 25, sub-regulation (3) is amended by removing the reference to "sub-regulations (1) and" and replacing it with the word "sub-regulation". This change likely refines the specific conditions or requirements that apply to certain aspects of the Naval Volunteer Reserve, though the exact nature of this amendment is not detailed in the provided text. Regulation 40 is repealed and replaced with a new provision that outlines the payment of Active Pay to members during continuous training or voluntary service in H.M.A. Ships or Establishments, and when travelling between their drillroom and the ship, establishment, or camp where the training or service is performed. Regulation 40a is introduced, detailing provisions for victualling, meal allowances, and other financial considerations for members during continuous training, service under Proclamation in time of war or emergency, and other specified circumstances. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on members of the Naval Volunteer Reserve. Firstly, members are not to receive any pay or allowances during the period of training prescribed in regulation 34, except under the conditions specified in the amended regulation 40. Secondly, members must be victualled at the rate and system approved for the Permanent Naval Forces (Sea-going) during continuous training or voluntary service, with provisions for special circumstances and meal allowances in certain situations. Members are also not to receive any allowance in lieu of rations during periods of long leave, except when serving under Proclamation. Furthermore, Gun Room Officers and Warrant officers may be paid the difference in Mess subscription as per the Naval Financial Regulations for Officers of corresponding rank in the Permanent Naval Forces (Sea-going). There are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the provided text for breaches of the Regulations. However, it is reasonable to assume that any breach of the requirements and obligations imposed by the Act may result in disciplinary action, as is typical for military regulations. Such action could include administrative penalties, loss of rank, or other consequences as deemed appropriate by the Naval Board or relevant authorities.