Regulations Governing the Formation, Control and Management of Rifle Clubs and Rifle Associations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1925, No. 148, enacted by the Government-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, constitute regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918. These regulations, which came into operation immediately upon enactment, address the need for a structured framework governing the formation, control, and management of rifle clubs and rifle associations, particularly focusing on the use and maintenance of rifle ranges shared by both military units and civilian clubs. The enactment seeks to ensure efficient use of resources and proper allocation of costs associated with the joint use of these facilities, as well as to provide clear guidelines for the acquisition and maintenance of target materials and other related stores. The policy objective, as inferred, is to maintain operational readiness and efficiency in the use of shared rifle ranges while ensuring that the financial responsibilities are appropriately assigned between the military and civilian entities.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918 pertain specifically to the formation, control, and management of rifle clubs and rifle associations, with a focus on the financial and operational aspects of these entities as they relate to military requirements. These regulations apply to rifle clubs and rifle associations that share facilities with military units, particularly in relation to the funding and management of ranges and storage facilities. The regulations cover the Commonwealth of Australia, establishing a national standard for the interaction between military and civilian shooting facilities. There are exclusions, such as no grant being paid towards the establishment of branch ranges without ministerial approval, and no claim being recognized for work carried out on a range without proper authority. The regulations also extend their application through subordinate instruments by detailing how costs for constructional and reconstructional work, as well as maintenance, are to be apportioned between the Military Vote and Rifle Club Vote. Additionally, the regulations specify how target materials and stores are to be procured and who bears the associated costs, depending on whether the range is staffed and whether it is primarily military or civilian in use.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918 primarily govern the formation, control, and management of rifle clubs and rifle associations, focusing on the establishment, use, and maintenance of rifle ranges. Regulation 50 is amended to include new sub-regulations (4) and (5) (section 1). Sub-regulation (4) mandates that any grant for establishing branch ranges connected to a club must have the Minister’s approval. Sub-regulation (5) states that any claims for work done on a rifle range without proper authority will not be recognised. Regulation 51 is repealed and replaced with a new regulation that addresses constructional and reconstructional work on rifle club ranges and military ranges (section 2). This new regulation states that if a rifle club range is also used by military units and additional accommodation is necessary to meet military requirements, the costs will be charged to Military Votes and carried out under the supervision of the Inspector of Rifle Ranges. Conversely, if a military range is used by rifle clubs and additional accommodation is needed, the costs may be charged to the Rifle Club Vote, subject to the Minister’s approval, and the work will be executed by the Department of Works and Railways. Lastly, Regulation 52 is repealed and replaced with a new regulation that governs the storage and provision of target materials and stores on ranges used jointly by rifle clubs and military units (section 3). This regulation specifies that if a military range without range staff is used by rifle clubs, the clubs must provide their own target materials and stores, with the cost being charged against the Efficiency Grant. If a military range with range staff is used by rifle clubs, the stores will be obtained by requisition, with the cost charged to the Rifle Club Vote. When military units use rifle club ranges, the military units will obtain their target materials through the Ordnance Department, while rifle clubs must provide their own target materials, with the cost charged against the Efficiency Grant. The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations are primarily financial and administrative in nature. Rifle clubs and military units are required to ensure that any work done on shared ranges is authorised, with costs being appropriately allocated between Military Votes and Rifle Club Vote. Rifle clubs must provide their own target materials when using military ranges, with the exception of ranges without range staff, where the cost of target materials is charged against the Efficiency Grant. Additionally, the Minister’s approval is necessary for certain financial transactions, such as grants for establishing branch ranges and costs related to additional accommodation on shared ranges. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences outlined in these regulations for breach. However, the regulations do specify that any claims for work done without proper authority will not be recognised, which could have financial implications for those making unauthorised claims. Similarly, any attempts to charge costs to the Rifle Club Vote without the Minister’s approval could also lead to financial disputes or other administrative consequences. It is implied that failure to adhere to these financial and administrative requirements could result in the non-recognition of costs and potential financial losses for the involved parties.