STATUTORY RULES.
1918. No. 319.
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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 fourth day of December, 1918.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE,
Minister of State for Defence.
Amendment of War Financial Regulations.
War Financial Regulations are amended as follows:—
(1) Regulation 21 is amended by inserting immediately preceding the words “appointed for duty” the words “and masseuses”: To take effect as from 26th September, 1918.
(2) Sub-regulation (2) of regulation 42 is amended by deleting the words “Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and men” and substituting in lieu thereof the words “Members of the Australian Imperial Force”: To take effect as from the 14th August, 1918.
(3) Regulation 59 is amended by adding the following words:—
“A further grant of £5 may be made after the completion of two years’ service on the understanding that while serving on the Instructional Staff they receive no issues of uniform as members of the Permanent Forces.”
(4) Next after regulation 59 the following regulation is inserted:—
“59a. A grant of £5 for the provision of suitable uniform may be made to Non-Commissioned Officers of the Militia Forces on being temporarily appointed to the Instructional Staff, and a further grant of £5 after two years’ service on the understanding that while serving on the Instructional Staff they receive no issues of uniform as members of the Militia Forces.”
(5) Regulation 60 is amended by inserting next after the words “Concentration Camps” the words “on instructional duties.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by H. J. Green, Acting Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
Statutory Rules 1918 No. 319, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, were introduced to amend the War Financial Regulations in response to the demands of the First World War. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were designed to address immediate financial and operational needs of the Australian military, including adjustments to allowances for masseuses, changes in the definition of members of the Australian Imperial Force, and modifications to grants for uniforms for instructional staff. The regulations reflect the urgent need to adapt military financial provisions to the evolving requirements of the war effort, ensuring that personnel are adequately compensated and equipped. The overarching policy objective of these amendments is to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian military during the war.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1918 No. 319, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, pertain specifically to the amendment of War Financial Regulations, which are designed to govern financial aspects related to the Australian military during wartime. The regulations apply to various categories of military personnel, including members of the Australian Imperial Force and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Militia Forces. These amendments primarily target those serving on instructional duties and address financial grants for uniforms and service durations. The changes are effective from specific dates, ensuring a phased implementation of the financial provisions. Notably, the regulations also include provisions for masseuses, indicating a broader inclusion of personnel involved in military operations. Geographically, these regulations apply across the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting a national scope intended to standardise financial practices across the military. While the text does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, the specific targeting of certain groups implies that the regulations do not apply universally to all military personnel. Subordinate instruments may further extend or clarify the application of these regulations.
Key Provisions
The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 319, introduced amendments to the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918. These amendments primarily concern financial provisions related to personnel within the Australian Imperial Force and the Militia Forces. Regulation 21 now includes "masseuses" as eligible for the grant, effective from 26th September, 1918 (sub-regulation 21). Regulation 42(2) has been modified to specify that financial provisions apply to "Members of the Australian Imperial Force" instead of previously listed categories, effective from 14th August, 1918. Regulation 59 now allows for an additional £5 grant after two years of service for Instructional Staff members who do not receive uniform issues, effective immediately upon amendment (Regulation 59). A new Regulation 59a has been added, providing a similar £5 grant for Non-Commissioned Officers of the Militia Forces appointed temporarily to the Instructional Staff, with an additional £5 after two years of service, also effective immediately (Regulation 59a). Lastly, Regulation 60 now includes "on instructional duties" in the context of "Concentration Camps" (Regulation 60).
These amendments impose specific financial obligations on the government for personnel who fall under the newly defined categories. For example, masseuses and members of the Australian Imperial Force and Militia Forces on instructional duties may now be eligible for grants. The regulations require the government to issue financial support to these personnel, which includes both initial and subsequent grants contingent upon continued service in specific roles. The new provisions also necessitate that the government ensure that those receiving these grants do not receive uniform issues while serving on instructional staff, thereby requiring administrative oversight and record-keeping to comply with the new stipulations.
Failure to comply with these financial regulations could result in legal consequences. While the regulations themselves do not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance, breaches of statutory obligations under the Defence Act could lead to legal action. This might include claims for financial compensation by affected personnel or administrative penalties imposed by the relevant authorities. The exact nature and severity of the consequences would depend on the specifics of any legal action taken and the interpretation of the regulations by courts or administrative bodies. The potential penalties could range from financial restitution to more severe administrative sanctions, depending on the context and severity of the breach.