Universal Training Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1913 No. 192, Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, was enacted in 1913 by the Governor-General in Council, due to an urgent need to make amendments to the Universal Training Regulations. The Defence Act 1903-1912 itself was established to provide for the defence of the Commonwealth and its territories and to regulate the forces raised for the Commonwealth’s defence. This particular legislative instrument aimed to address an immediate issue by altering the composition of the Citizen Forces under the Universal Training scheme, specifically modifying the types of artillery units and their ammunition columns. The policy objective of these provisional regulations was to swiftly implement necessary adjustments to the military training framework in response to evolving defence needs.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912, particularly the amendment to Universal Training Regulation 142, applies specifically to the citizen forces within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation targets the restructuring of military units, specifically replacing designated Brigades of Field Artillery and Batteries of Heavy Artillery with the Field Artillery in a District. The amendment reflects a strategic adjustment in the organisation and deployment of artillery units within the citizen forces, indicating a modification in the structure and operational readiness of these units. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is nationwide, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth as a provisional measure. This amendment is intended to be effective immediately, underscoring its urgency as declared by the Governor-General, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions but are designed to enhance the operational efficiency and readiness of the citizen forces under the Defence Act. The amendment to Regulation 142 extends its application directly to the relevant military units and personnel within the citizen forces, ensuring immediate effect as a provisional measure pending further legislative action.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Provisional Regulations for Universal Training involve amendments to Regulation 142 under the Defence Act 1903-1912. Specifically, the regulation deletes references to "A Brigade of Field Artillery and its ammunition column" and "A Battery of Heavy Artillery and its ammunition column" (section 1). It then substitutes these with a new provision, "The Field Artillery in a District." This change aims to restructure the citizen forces component of universal training. The Provisional Regulations impose obligations and requirements on the relevant parties, notably within the Defence Act 1903-1912. The amendments direct that the field artillery component of the citizen forces will now be organized and trained within a district framework. This change presumably aims to streamline and optimize the administrative and operational aspects of training and readiness for the field artillery. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Provisional Regulations may result in various consequences. While the legislation does not explicitly state the specific offences, penalties, or civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance, the overarching Defence Act 1903-1912 likely includes provisions for such matters. Under the Defence Act, breaches of regulations could potentially lead to criminal charges, fines, or other penalties as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. Given the urgency with which these regulations were enacted, it is likely that non-compliance could be met with stringent enforcement measures to ensure adherence to the new training structure.