Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations 1926 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1927, No. 80, are regulations made under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, designed to amend the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations aim to address issues concerning the travel and accommodation of Naval Volunteer Reservists while on duty. Specifically, they establish provisions for travel allowances and the provision of rail or steamer accommodations for reservists traveling to and from training sites or service locations, while also clarifying the costs associated with travel to and from rifle ranges for practice. The objective is to ensure that Naval Volunteer Reservists have the necessary support for their duties, thereby strengthening the naval defence capabilities of the Commonwealth.

Scope and Application

The Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, as amended by these regulations, applies to members of the Naval Volunteer Reserve who are engaged in continuous training or voluntary service, as well as those travelling between their drillrooms and the various naval establishments, ships, or camps for such purposes. The scope of the Act encompasses both the financial entitlements and the logistical arrangements for these reservists, including the provision of travel allowances and accommodations when travelling to and from duty locations. These regulations extend to the whole of the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform application across all states and territories. Notably, the regulations explicitly detail the financial obligations for travel to and from rifle ranges, stipulating that such costs are to be borne by the Department. This legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions; however, it does delineate the conditions under which financial assistance and logistical support are provided to reservists engaged in their duties. The regulations are intended to be comprehensive, though they may be further detailed or refined through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations, as detailed in the Statutory Rules 1927 No. 80, primarily amend the Naval Volunteer Reserve Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918. Specifically, Regulation 40 is amended to include a provision that allows members to receive a travelling allowance and be provided with accommodation by rail or steamer when travelling between the Drillroom to which they are attached and the Ship, Establishment or Camp where they perform their training or service (Reg. 1). Additionally, a new Regulation 44 is inserted, allowing members travelling on duty to and from a Camp, Ship, or Establishment for Continuous Training or Voluntary Service to receive a travelling allowance and accommodation by rail or steamer at the rates and under the conditions prescribed in the Naval Financial Regulations for their corresponding rank or rating in the Permanent Naval Forces (Seagoing) (Reg. 2). The cost of conveyance from the Drillroom to a rifle range for rifle practice and return is specified as a charge against the Department (Reg. 2). The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations on the parties or entities they govern primarily pertain to the Naval Volunteer Reserve members. These members are entitled to a travelling allowance and accommodation by rail or steamer when travelling to and from their assigned locations for Continuous Training or Voluntary Service. This entitlement must be provided at rates and conditions equivalent to those for members of the Permanent Naval Forces (Seagoing) with corresponding ranks or ratings. Moreover, the regulations clarify that the cost of conveyance for rifle practice at a rifle range is to be borne by the Department. The consequences for breach of these regulations are not explicitly stated in the Statutory Rules 1927 No. 80. However, non-compliance with regulations governing allowances and provisions for Naval Volunteer Reserve members could potentially lead to administrative or financial repercussions, including the withholding of entitlements or reimbursement of improperly claimed expenses. These breaches may also impact the operational readiness and efficiency of the Naval Volunteer Reserve, indirectly affecting national defence preparedness.