STATUTORY RULES.
1919. No. 50.
REGULATIONS UNDER, THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1918.
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 Defence Act 1903-1918 to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this fifth day of March, 1919.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. J. RUSSELL,
Acting Minister of State for Defence.
Amendment of War Financial Regulations.
War Financial Regulations are amended as follows:—
(1) Regulation 29 is amended by inserting next after the word “proportion” the words “One Ship’s Sergeant-Major (Warrant Officer, Class II.) for each transport.”
(2) Regulations 33 and 34 are repealed and the following regulations made in lieu thereof, to take effect as from 1st November, 1918:—
“33. In the event of the death of a member of the Australian Imperial Force, payment of Allotment and Separation Allowance will be continued for one complete calendar month from the date of the District Paymaster’s notification of casualty to the Pensions Office. The payment for the period subsequent to the date of death will not be a charge to the soldier’s estate.
34. (1) If a member of the Australian Imperial Force be reported ‘missing’ payment of allotment to non-dependants shall be continued for one complete calendar month only from the date of notification from the Base Records that the member is ‘missing.’
(2) Payment of Allotment and Separation Allowance to bonâ fide dependants of ‘missing’ members, shall be continued for two complete calendar months from the date of notification from the Base Records that the member is ‘missing,’ and if such member is still ‘missing’ at the expiration of such period of two months payment of Allotment and Separation Allowance will be continued for a further period of one calendar month.
(3) If at any time during the aforesaid periods the member is definitely ascertained to be dead, payment of Allotment and Separation Allowance will be further continued (if payable to a dependant) for one calendar month from the date of District Paymaster’s notification of death to the Pensions Office or until the expiration of three months from the date of the notification from the Base Records that the member was ‘missing’ whichever first occurs.
(4) The payment of Allotment and or Separation Allowance for the period subsequent to the date established to be the date of death will not be a charge to the member’s estate.”
(3) Regulation 56a is repealed and the following regulation made in lieu thereof, to take effect as from 1st March, 1918:—
“56a. The rates of pay and allowance for members of the Recruiting Staff will be as follows:—
Pay.
Organizing Secretaries.—At rates provided in terms of
of appointment;
Recruiting, Officers—Civil or Military.—£250 per annum;
Organizers.—£4 per week;
Clerical Assistance.—As per Civilian Staff Regulations.
The Minister may approve of higher rates of pay under special circumstances.
Travelling Allowance.
(When necessarily absent on duty from their Head Stations.)
Organizing Secretaries.—12s. 6d. per diem;
Recruiting Officers and Organizers.—10s. per diem;
Honorary Organizers and other persons voluntarily assisting Recruiting efforts.—12s. 6d. per diem.
Travelling Allowance in excess of the above rates may be granted on the special approval of the Minister.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
Statutory Rules 1919 No. 50, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, were introduced to amend the War Financial Regulations, ensuring that financial support for the Australian Imperial Force and their families was managed effectively. The regulations were enacted by the Governor-General, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to address financial management issues related to the war effort, particularly concerning the payment of allowances to service members and their dependants. The objective of these regulations was to provide clarity and continuity in financial support during times of service casualties, including death or disappearance in action, and to standardise the payment rates and allowances for recruiting staff involved in the war effort.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 50, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, introduce amendments to the War Financial Regulations primarily affecting the Australian Imperial Force and its personnel. These regulations apply to members of the Australian Imperial Force, their dependants, and the various roles within the recruiting staff, including Organising Secretaries, Recruiting Officers, Organisers, and Clerical Assistance. They are applicable on a national level within the Commonwealth of Australia and pertain to financial regulations concerning pay, allowances, and entitlements related to casualties and missing personnel. The amendments specify conditions for the continuation of allotment and separation allowances upon the death or reported missing status of a member, as well as the rates of pay and allowances for recruiting staff. The regulations are designed to provide clarity and support to military personnel and their families during wartime.
Key Provisions
The Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 50, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, introduce amendments to the War Financial Regulations. One of the main changes involves Regulation 29 (1), which now requires the appointment of One Ship’s Sergeant-Major (Warrant Officer, Class II) for each transport. This addition likely aims to enhance the administrative and logistical support for the transport operations during wartime. Additionally, Regulations 33 and 34 are repealed and replaced with new provisions that detail the continuation of Allotment and Separation Allowance payments in the event of a member of the Australian Imperial Force being reported dead or missing (Regulation 33 and 34). These payments are intended to support the families of soldiers for a specified period following the notification of the casualty status, without imposing a financial burden on the soldier's estate.
The amended regulations impose several obligations on various parties involved in the financial administration of the Australian Imperial Force. The District Paymaster is required to notify the Pensions Office promptly of any casualties, ensuring that the continuation of financial support is initiated without delay. Similarly, Base Records must communicate the status of any reported missing members to the Pensions Office. These notifications are critical for the timely disbursement of Allotment and Separation Allowance to the affected families. Furthermore, the Minister of State for Defence is entrusted with the authority to approve higher rates of pay and allowances for members of the Recruiting Staff under special circumstances, as outlined in the new Regulation 56a (3). This flexibility allows for adjustments to meet unique operational needs while maintaining fair compensation practices.
The Statutory Rules also establish consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of the amended War Financial Regulations. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of these regulations could potentially lead to civil or criminal consequences. The nature of these consequences would typically depend on the severity and intent behind the breach, but could include fines, penalties, or other legal actions as prescribed by relevant laws. The regulations emphasize the importance of adhering to the established financial support structures for the families of service members, underscoring the need for accurate and timely communication and administration in these matters.