War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917, No. 129, is a regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1915, enacted to address the financial and logistical challenges posed by the deployment of Australian Imperial Force troops during the First World War. The regulation was made by the Governor of the State of Victoria, acting as the Deputy of the Governor-General, in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. This regulatory amendment was designed to ensure that troops received adequate medical care when being transported, with specific provisions for the employment of medical personnel on ships carrying large numbers of troops. The policy objective was to provide clear guidelines for the provision of medical services to troops during their deployment, thereby ensuring their well-being and readiness for service in war zones.

Scope and Application

The War Financial Regulation, as amended by Statutory Rules 1917 No. 129, applies specifically to members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) who are deployed beyond the Commonwealth. This regulation, part of the Defence Act 1903-1915, mandates certain financial arrangements regarding the medical provisions for troops during their transportation. It delineates that when over 100 troops are embarked from the 5th Military District to an Eastern State, a ship’s doctor must be arranged if available, at a rate of £1 per diem, or a Medical Officer at the pay rate of a Captain if no ship’s doctor is present. Conversely, when fewer than 100 troops are being transported by sea, special employment of a Medical Officer or civilian doctor is not required, although if a ship’s surgeon is on board, they may be remunerated according to the Naval Transport Regulations. This regulation extends its reach to encompass the entire Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniformity in the financial and logistical support provided to AIF members during their deployment.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this statutory regulation (Regulation No. 39) pertain to the financial aspects of the Australian Imperial Force, specifically addressing medical arrangements for troops during their embarkation and transportation. Section 1 of the regulation makes a minor amendment to the existing wording to clarify that the regulation applies to troops beyond the Commonwealth. Section 2 introduces new provisions for medical arrangements when more than 100 troops are being transported by sea from the 5th Military District to an Eastern State. In this case, if a ship's doctor is present on board, the regulation mandates that treatment should be arranged by this doctor at a rate of £1 per day (Section 2(a)). If there is no ship's doctor on board, the regulation requires that a Medical Officer be placed on board at the pay rate for a Captain (Section 2(b)). Additionally, Section 3 specifies that for fewer than 100 troops being transported by sea between districts, special employment of a Medical Officer or civilian doctor is not necessary. However, if a ship's surgeon is on board, they may be compensated in accordance with the Naval Transport Regulations. The obligations imposed by these regulations on the parties involved are primarily concerned with ensuring proper medical provisions during the transportation of troops. The regulation obligates ship commanders to arrange for medical treatment by a ship’s doctor if one is present, or by a Medical Officer if no ship’s doctor is available when transporting over 100 troops by sea. Furthermore, it mandates that if a ship’s surgeon is on board for fewer than 100 troops, they must be compensated according to the Naval Transport Regulations. These obligations are designed to ensure that troops receive necessary medical care during their transportation, regardless of the number of troops being moved or the availability of medical personnel on board. In terms of potential consequences for breach of these regulations, the statutory rules themselves do not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance. However, under the overarching Defence Act 1903-1915, failure to adhere to regulations governing the Australian Imperial Force could lead to disciplinary actions, fines, or other penalties as prescribed by the relevant military or civil authorities. The precise penalties would depend on the specific nature and severity of the breach, as well as the internal disciplinary procedures of the Australian Defence Force.