Universal Training Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912 were enacted in 1914 to swiftly address the urgent need to modify the existing Universal Training Regulation 113 (10). This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the Commonwealth’s requirement to adapt to immediate circumstances during a period of national significance. The policy objective behind these regulations was to ensure that the Defence Act could be flexibly and promptly amended to meet the demands of the time, specifically by allowing for voluntary extra parades for special reasons without counting towards pay, thus providing a practical response to the evolving needs of the Citizen Forces.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, as set out in Statutory Rules 1914, No. 41, apply specifically to the Citizen Forces within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations amend Regulation 113 (10) concerning extra parades, clarifying that such extra voluntary parades for special reasons may be called by Commanding Officers but will not count towards pay. The scope of this legislation is limited to the operational and administrative practices within the Defence Act's purview, affecting primarily the Defence Force and its members. The regulations extend throughout the Commonwealth, governed by the authority of the Governor-General acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and come into immediate effect as provisional measures. The amendment does not explicitly exclude any particular persons or entities, but its application is inherently tied to the existing framework of military regulations and the Citizen Forces.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Provisional Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1912 involve amendments to Regulation 113 (10) concerning the Citizen Forces. Specifically, the amendment changes the wording from "Extra parades for special reasons may be called by Commanding Officers, but such parades will not count towards pay and efficiency" to "Extra voluntary parades for special reasons may be called by Commanding Officers, but such parades will not count towards pay." This means that while Commanding Officers can still call for extra voluntary parades for special reasons, these will not be considered for the calculation of pay. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are relatively straightforward. Commanding Officers must ensure that any extra voluntary parades called for special reasons are clearly communicated to the members of the Citizen Forces, and it must be explicitly stated that these parades will not count towards their pay. This helps to manage expectations and ensures transparency regarding compensation for additional duties. Regarding offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches, the Act does not specify any particular sanctions for failing to comply with these provisions. However, general military law and disciplinary procedures would still apply, which could potentially include various forms of administrative or disciplinary action against officers who do not adhere to these regulations. It is important to note that while the specific penalties are not outlined in these regulations, the overarching military justice system would provide the framework for addressing any non-compliance.