STATUTORY RULES.
1928. No. 59.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVAL DEFENCE ACT 1910–1918.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Naval-Defence Act 1910–1918, to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this fifth day of July, 1928.
STONEHAVEN
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
T. W. GLASGOW
Minister of State for Defence.
Amendment of Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations.
(Statutory Rules 1926, No. 180, as amended to present date.)
(Fourth Amendment.)
1. Regulation 6 is amended by omitting the words “within the limits of the Australian Naval Station”.
2. Regulation 10, sub-regulation 1, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:—
“provided, however, that in time of war or in an emergency any person of any age possessing the required qualifications who is considered to be medically fit for the satisfactory performance of his duties may engage for such period as the Naval Board may direct.”
3. Regulation 11 is amended by omitting the word “A” in the first line of sub-regulation (1) and inserting in its stead the words “Except in time of war, a”.
By Authority: H. J. Green, Government Printer, Canberra.
1282.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1928, No. 59, represent a legislative instrument designed to amend the existing Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910–1918. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were introduced to address specific operational and administrative needs within the Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve. The intent behind these amendments was to enhance the flexibility and readiness of the Naval Volunteer Reserve during times of war or emergency, allowing for broader engagement of qualified personnel irrespective of age, provided they met the necessary medical fitness criteria. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to ensure that the Naval Volunteer Reserve can be effectively mobilised and utilised when the nation's defence requires it, thus supporting the overarching aims of national security and defence preparedness as outlined in the Naval Defence Act.
Scope and Application
The Naval Defence Act 1910–1918 Regulations, as amended, govern the recruitment, organisation, and operations of the Naval Volunteer Reserve within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations apply to individuals who wish to join and serve in the Naval Volunteer Reserve, irrespective of their age, provided they meet the specified qualifications and are deemed medically fit to perform their duties. During times of war or emergency, the regulations are adapted to allow for the enlistment of individuals of any age who possess the necessary qualifications and are medically fit. The amendments detailed in the Statutory Rules 1928, No. 59, primarily focus on the flexibility of enlistment criteria and the removal of geographic limitations for service within the Naval Volunteer Reserve. These regulations are applicable nationally and are subject to modification through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the Naval Volunteer Reserve can be effectively mobilised in response to national defence needs.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of these regulations, as part of the Naval Defence Act 1910–1918, focus on amending the existing Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations. Regulation 6 is revised to remove the geographic restriction that previously limited enlistment within the confines of the Australian Naval Station (section 1). This change broadens the scope of where volunteers can enlist, potentially allowing for more widespread recruitment across Australia. Additionally, Regulation 10(1) is amended to allow individuals of any age who meet the necessary qualifications and are deemed medically fit to serve, particularly during times of war or in emergencies (section 2). Lastly, Regulation 11 is modified to specify that the usual enlistment age requirements are suspended during wartime (section 3).
These regulations impose certain obligations and requirements on both the Naval Board and prospective volunteers. The Naval Board is tasked with determining the medical fitness of candidates and deciding the duration of service during wartime or emergencies. Prospective volunteers must meet the qualifications specified by the Naval Board and, in peacetime, adhere to the age restrictions outlined in the regulations. These amendments ensure that the Naval Volunteer Reserve can be efficiently expanded and managed in accordance with the operational needs of the naval defence forces.
Breaches of these regulations could result in various consequences. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the statutory rules, violations of the Naval Defence Act 1910–1918 could lead to legal actions under the general provisions of the Act. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, individuals could face criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts based on the specific circumstances of the case and the relevant sections of the Act. It is essential for all parties involved to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal repercussions.